All the action from the Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo 2022

The best in Lycra fashion was on show as hundreds of cyclists took to the roads of Darwin for the 2022 Top End Gran Fondo. SEE THE PICTURES AND RESULTS.

DARWIN cyclists turned out in force and braved the cold for the Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo on Sunday morning.

Locals flocked to the Waterfront to support riders fo all ages competing.

A last-minute change to the course did little to deter numbers for the ride, with hundreds jumping on bikes in six events ranging from the 3km Mini Fondo to a 67km Half Fondo and the 145km Gran Fondo.

Winner of the 145km feature race was ‘Pedal Pete’ Arnott, a Darwin born and bred competitor, who said this year’s course was particularly tough.

“It was really, really, really hard. I spent a lot of time out the front by myself holding all the way until the end,” he said.

First across the line in the main race is Pete Arnott in the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Arnott’s win was his first in six years of competing in the Gran Fondo.

He said training for previous interstate races helped him claim victory.

“I train for quite a lot of other races, I’m probably the only one in Darwin who has raced interstate so I was race fit,” he said.

Winner Pete Arnott and fellow finisher John Da Costa in the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Among the riders were Top End politicians, all riding the 67km course for a cause in the Pollie Pedal.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said it was a “great opportunity for community engagement” and to raise money for worthwhile charities.

“We wanted to put in a big team so we’ve been training together and training on our own,” she said.

“We finished which is what we wanted to do.”

Ms Finocchiaro was joined by other members of her party, all decked out in their signature orange and black jerseys they got made especially for the event.

Gerard Maley, Lia Finocchiaro, Jo Hersey, Joshua Burgoyne and Bill Yan. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Riding for mateship was Kevin Stephens, who said for him it was less about racing and more about “riding to survive”.

“I do it to maintain peak physical fitness,” he said.

Mr Stephens completed the 67km course in a time he was extremely proud of and said the weather had been perfect for this year’s event.

“It was good, I really enjoyed the fog this morning,” he said.

“It’s been cool but not quite as cool as last year.”

Kevin Stephens In the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

In the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Evie Townsend 5 in the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Anthony Knights and his Son Hudson 3 In the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Florence Borges 6 In the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Luna Manley 5 in the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Winner Pete Arnott (L) and fellow finisher John Da Costa in the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Finishing in style in the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Reuben Smith 9 in the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Antonio Senga in the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The middle pack In the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Lara Hindley 6 In the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

First woman across the line is Olivia Martel In the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The “Proud Flozzies” In the Annual Gran Fondo finishing at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Glenn Campbell