Fraser Coast holds first Gran Fondo, predicted to be ‘biggest’ across nation

Hundreds braved the chilly early hours of Saturday morning for a cycling event organisers say is tipped to become the biggest in the nation. Here’s why.

Over 500 people cycled across Hervey Bay on Saturday morning, as Fraser Coast hosted a Gran Fondo for the first time ever, predicted to become “one of the biggest” national events. Picture: Isabella Magee

A number of bikes braved the misty dew of Pialba’s Seafront Oval on Saturday morning as the Fraser Coast hosted the inaugural Gran Fondo cycling event.

More than 500 riders took part in the event.

The Esplanade road was closed from about 6am until 7.30am. Picture: Isabella Magee

From 6am, the oval was full of eager cyclists dressed in Lycra and jumpers, with people travelling from around the state to ride with locals along the Esplanade.

Gran Fondo event director Chris Hevern told the Chronicle in a few years, he expects the event “will be one of the biggest events in Australia”.

Gran Fondo event director Chris Hevern cycled in the event and said the course was “spectacular”. Picture: Isabella Magee

“It’s very much about establishing Hervey Bay as a destination for cycling, it’s a high profile event being promoted nationally, and it’s going to grow ... the event brings a lot of people in town,” he said.

“There are a few challenges out there on the course, a few really tough hills and climbs, and there’s beautiful scenery along the track, too.”

Kim Alexander drove up from the Sunshine Coast for the ride. Picture: Isabella Magee

Sunshine Coast local Kim Alexander travelled up to do the ride, and said the area was “a great place to do events like this.”

“I’ve just come to give it a whirl, this is my first one, I do triathlons, so I thought I’d give the riding event a go,” she said.

(L to R) Ian Rowe, Gary Hall and Peter Buggy who are a sponsored cycling team, have travelled up from Brisbane to compete the trek. Picture: Isabella Magee

With a crew of about 15 others, Peter Buggy travelled from Brisbane.

“We’d be happy with finishing at four hours, but it’s more about supporting the event and having a bit of fun,” he said.

(L to R) Sylvia Clonan, Vlasta Gall, Mal Clonan, Jo Bettison and Mark Fielding. Picture: Isabella Magee

And, not only did the event bring newcomers, it also brought some back to where they used to call home.

Sylvia Clonan, Vlasta Gall, Mal Clonan, Jo Bettison and Mark Fielding were five of those, formerly living in Hervey Bay about 10 to 15 years ago, before moving to Maroochydore.

“We saw the Gran Fondo was on and it’s just a great opportunity to come back and have a look at Hervey Bay again,” Mal Clonan said.

Medics John Gillard and Kaine Beatty were on standby for any accidents the riders may have. Picture: Isabella Magee