Registrations open for 2023 Darwin Sunbuild Gran Fondo

More than 500 riders are expected to take part in the 2023 edition of the Top End Gran Fondo. Read what to expect from this year’s event.

Enthusiasm is ramping up among budding cyclists as they aim for a personal best or just to take part in the 2023 edition of the Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo.

Cycling enthusiasts young and old are well into their preparations ahead of the event on July 2.

The range of distances from the 1km City of Darwin Family Fun Ride to the big-ticket 145km Sunbuild Gran Fondo allows riders of all abilities to take part in the Top End’s biggest cycling event.

Other categories on offer include a 22km, 52km and 110km ride with all events starting and finishing at the Darwin Waterfront.

Ronald Ocampo, Ross Ocampo, Kate Worden, Byron Wauchope and Neil Summers at the Northern Territory Gran Fondo Press Conference at Parliament House, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sport Minister Kate Worden said the NT government had invested $75,000 into the event to ensure road management and safety for riders.

“This is the premier race for Darwin cyclists, everyone hangs out for this race every year,” Ms Worden said.

“The most important thing about this event is it gets everyone back on their bikes, even if just for that once a year, and it gets people started on their cycling journey.

“Even amateurs like me can get out there and do the 52km half fondo, so get down there and be part of this really good event which puts the Top End on the map.”

AusCycling state manager Stephen Gazzola said they were expecting 500 to 700 participants for the big event.

“This is a great event for the Top End with categories all the way from 1km to 145km,” he said.

“People have been training up for this, but we also get families down there for the awesome atmosphere we get on the Darwin Waterfront.

“The Territory is going to put up the best weather there is for it so you might as well get down there riding around and being healthy.”

Ronald Ocampo and Ross Ocampo at the Northern Territory Gran Fondo Press Conference at Parliament House, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sunbuild are once again the sponsors with managing director Neil Sunners a long-time supporter and participant of the Gran Fondo.

Mr Sunners returned to cycling eight years ago and strongly encouraged anyone looking for a health kick to get involved.

“It’s about getting the body and mind healthy, because it helps me get my stress away from my work load on the weekends when I’m slogging away on the bike,” he said.

“We all believe in the sport and it’s a good healthy thing for the environment, some people put a speed on it but for the most part it’s about getting the community out there.”

To register visit www.topendgrandfondo.com.au.