Phillip Brownscombe first over the line at 2024 Top End Gran Fondo
Phillip Brownscombe was the first man across the line at the 2024 Top End Gran Fondo and said he couldn’t have done it without the support of his mates around him. See all the event photos.
Northern Territory
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Just seconds ahead of his mates, Phillip Brownscombe raced across the finish line in first place for the Top End’s longest ride.
Mr Brownscombe completed the 122km Sunbuild Gran Fondo in just 3:10:12.
He said he has competed in every Top End Gran Fondo except one, and this year rode alongside a group of friends.
“I probably train about 10 hours a week, and all the guys in that first seven, they’re the guys I train with,” he said.
“There was a crash heading out on Tiger Brennan Drive – three guys came down … (and) we stopped and straightened up their bikes, then we all rode together again.
“We stayed together, we’re mates, that’s more important than the competition.”
Andrew Hardy cheered as he crossed the finish line in first place for the 41km Darwin Family Law Half Fondo.
He finished with a time of 1:13:47.
Mr Hardy said the conditions were perfect for a great ride.
“I should have been in the bigger group, but I just wanted to go out on my own and push myself without anyone breaking the wind for me, so it’s harder,” he said.
“I almost made my target (of 35km per hour) – not quite, but good enough for Sunday.”
Mr Hardy has previously ridden in the longer event with “a lot of strong riders”.
“They really push you hard, so when you get to the end there’s nothing left,” he said.
Gary Cassidy was first across the line for the 82km Inpex Top End Fondo with a time of 2:22:52.
Bradley Quee finished the 15km NTRS Top End Short Fondo with a time of 34:12:61, and James Wadsley finished the 5km Cycle Zone Family Ride first with a time of 18:05:71.
Rider Clive Baxter – who rode in the 15km race – said this year was his first time participating in the ride.
He said he’d avoided Darwin’s longest bike ride in previous years due to safety concerns around sharing the road with motorists, but closing Tiger Brennan Dr for the 2024 event increased its appeal.
Mr Baxter’s bike showed off a “66 laps for Chantal” sticker.
“We do a cancer fundraiser every year, so thought we’d come down here and do this, push our banner,” he said.
Hundreds to ride in 2024 Top End Gran Fondo
July 19: More than 500 cycling enthusiasts will take over Territory roads on Sunday morning for the 2024 edition of the Top End Gran Fondo.
The event that promotes healthy living and exercise is open for cyclists young and old whether they’re seeking competition or not.
It’s the Territory’s biggest cycling event with a range of distances from the 5km Cycle Zone Family Fun Ride to the feature event 122km Sunbuild Gran Fondo.
The 13th edition will be different again with Tiger Brennan Drive to be closed, increasing event safety and allowing more riders to enjoy the event.
Sport Minister Kate Worden said that would be an important aspect of the race, which she has raced in for the past few years.
“It’s very exciting, it brings people to Darwin, but it also gets people out and active,” she said.
“For several years I have personally experienced the joy and benefits of participating in the Gran Fondo, and since starting have gone out and brought myself a new bike and ridden far more.
“We’ve got a closed road event, which is really important for safety and I know a lot of people who have not participated in previous years because of safety concerns.”
It comes as investments in cycling paths and infrastructure have increased with a crossing point between McMillans Road and North Lakes Shopping Centre on of the new installations.
A bike path at the intersection of Vanderlin and Leanyer Drives has been widened, while a concrete shared path and ramp between Flinders Drive and Tiger Brennan has been constructed.
The government has also invested $530,000 for a new shared cycle and walk path between Stuart Park and Woolner.
Darwin Cycling Club chair Julian Barry said events like Gran Fondo were great ways to get people out to exercise and have fun.
“The event has grown over the years, and we are proud to present a program that offers something to cyclists of all abilities,” he said.
“Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, the Gran Fondo is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Top End and embrace the joy of cycling.
“They can also help us deal with the Northern Territory’s really serious chronic health conditions such as obesity or diabetes.”
Sunbuild managing director Neil Sunners is an enthusiastic cyclists and said it was great to once again be the name rights sponsor of the event.
“We’re very proud to be participating and supporting the Gran Fondo for a 10th year,” Mr Sunners said.
“It’s good to have a healthy society, if we all get on a bike and keep ourselves fit it’s better for everybody.”
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