#AMYSGRANFONDO@amygillett #AGFfdn MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Simon Gillett Katherine Kelly Lang Patron of the Amy Gillett Foundation, Simon The Bold and Beautiful’s Brooke Logan, is was married to Amy at the time of the tragic travelling to Lorne to participate. She is an avid accident. His tireless work within the Foundation cyclist and health enthusiast and wants to tick has continued to raise awareness about cyclist this event off her bucket list. safety.
Lang is available in Lorne only on Saturday and Simon provides a strong yet rational voice about Sunday. the car v cyclist debate and strives to repair this often strained relationship. Anthony LaPaglia
Anthony LaPaglia is known for his role as FBI agent Bridie O’Donnell Jack Malone in the hit US series Without a Trace. A practicing doctor at Epworth, along with The former football goal keeper is a recent lecturing duties, Bridie still races at the very convert to cycling, describing himself on his top end of the Australian women’s cycling twitter page (@anthonylapaglia) as a “cycling scene and will race in Amy’s Otway Classic, a convert now cycling junkie.” women’s only national series event that will be held as part of the Amy’s Gran Fondo weekend. Anthony is available in Lorne on Sunday. Bridie is passionate about seeing more women Tracey Gaudry riding, competitively or for recreation.
Olympic cyclist & CEO of the Amy Gillett Foundation, Tracey is at the forefront of the AGF’s ‘A metre matters’ campaign that advocates a safe AMY’s GRAN FONDO MEDIA relationship between cars and cyclists. David Culbert – Amy’s Gran Fondo media, on 0417 272 641 or by email: [email protected] Tracey is a regular rider, and also the first ever female Vice President of the international cycling Peter O’Rourke– Amy’s Gran Fondo media, on 0423 348 919 or by email: federation (UCI). This makes her one of the most [email protected] powerful women in Australian sport. PAGE 1 EVENT INFORMATION
AMY GILLETT FOUNDATION (AGF) EVENT SAFETY
The Amy Gillett Foundation is a charity with one purpose – reducing the Amy’s Gran Fondo is the safest event on the Australian cycling calendar and we incidence of death and injury of bike riders. make no apologies for the procedures that are in place to enable us to maintain our safety record. The Foundation was born out of tragedy, the death of Amy Gillett, who was hit by an out of control motorist whilst cycling with her National Team mates in Germany. All Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo riders must attend one of the 12 compulsory Since our inception we have been a catalyst for change, focused on what should be, safety briefings in order to receive their timing chip. rather than what is. That’s why we have set ambitious aims and outcomes. KEY EVENT INFORMATION Our Mission is for: Safe cycling in Australia Our Vision: Zero bike related fatalities Bold and the Beautiful actress, Katherine Kelly Lang is joining the record number of participants participating in 2014. Amy’s Gran Fondo generates vital fundraising to support the AGF’s tireless efforts Amy’s Wall hill climb on Saturday afternoon, featuring fantastic prizes, to promote shared respect between motorists and bike riders and reduce the commentary, a vocal crowd, dusk finish and a live leader board incidence of death and injury of bike riders through improved conditions for cycling. A buzzing Event Village that will keep riders, family and friends and FUNDRASING OBJECTIVES visitors equally entertained over Saturday and Sunday The inaugural Amy’s Otway Classic racing off in front of Amy’s The primary fundraising objective of the 2014 Amy’s Gran Fondo is to raise at Gran Fondo, featuring Australia’s top women’s cyclists as part of Cycling least $100,000. These funds will be used to help the AGF to: Australia’s National Road Series The marquee events, Amy’s Gran Fondo, Amy’s Medio Fondo and Amy’s - to fund a Research Honours student to further AGF’s leading research in Piccolo Fondo are truly great rides in one of the world’s most breathtaking bike rider safety in partnership with leading research institutes destinations, with the freedom of fully-closed roads and world-class - to deliver policy based campaigns nationally with awareness and delivery from the Cycling Australia events team education to affect behaviour change The top 25% of finishers in each age group qualify for the 2015 Amateur - continue to work with the Queensland Government and other World Road Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark stakeholders to implement the two year minimum overtaking distance A focus on safety that is, well literally second to none trial in Queensland - to continue to place political pressure on state and federal governments AustCycle bike skills courses and educational programs delivered into - to achieve a one metre minimum passing distance legislation change schools throughout the region, and the funding of a new bike safety refine and implement the recently launched NSW based mutual respect Legacy project in the region in a collaboration with VicRoads and Bike Safe. awareness campaign ‘It’s a two-way street’ nationally PAGE 2 PROGRAM GUIDE
THURSDAY SUNDAY
18:00 Safety Briefing 1- Capitol Theatre, Melbourne 06:00am Rider briefing 12- Mantra, Lorne 19:00 Safety Briefing 2 - Capitol Theatre, Melbourne 07:00am expo Open 20:00 Safety Briefing 3 - Capitol Theatre, Melbourne 07:00am Flight Centre Active Travel Marquee VIP Opens 07:30am Start Amy’s Otway Classic SATURDAY 07:45am Bike Parking Mantra Closes 08:30am Start- Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo (Age Groups) 10:30am Bike Parking at Mantra operational 08:43am Start-Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo (Speed groups) 11:00am Rider Briefing 4- Mantra, Lorne 08:50am Start- Medio Fondo 12:00pm Rider Briefing 5- Mantra, Lorne 09:00am Start- Piccolo Fondo 12:00pm expo open 10:27am Finish Amy’s Otway Classic (approx. ETA) 12:00pm Kids Entertainment open 11:00am Amy’s Otway Classic Presentations 12:00pm Food and Beverage open 11:18am Finish (First Rider) Amy’s Gran Fondo (approx..ETA) 12:45pm Henry Carus & Associates Bike Trials Demonstration Team 15:00pm Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo Presentations 13:00pm Flight Centre Active Travel VIP Marquee Open 15:05pm Finish line - Cut off time implemented 13:00pm Rider Briefing 6- Mantra, Lorne 16:00pm Flight Centre Active Travel VIP Marquee Closes 14:00pm Rider Briefing 7- Mantra, Lorne 16:00pm Expo and Bike Parking Closes 14:15pm Henry Carus & Associates Bike Trials Demonstration Team 15:00pm Rider Briefing 8- Mantra, Lorne SOCIAL MEDIA 15:15pm Henry Carus & Associates Bike Trials Demonstration Team 16:00pm Rider Briefing 9- Mantra, Lorne Be a part of the conversation. Make sure you like the Amy’s Gran Facebook page 16:00pm Rider Briefing 10- Mechanics Hall, Apollo Bay and Amy Gillett Foundation twitter page by clicking the buttons below. 16:00pm Rider Briefing Apollo Bay Mechanics Hall 16:00pm Amy’s Otway Classic NRS Registration commences Alternatively use the following URL’s: 16:15pm Henry Carus & Associates Bike Trials Demonstration Team twitter.com/amygillettfdn 17:00pm Rider Briefing 11- Mantra, Lorne facebook.com/AmysGranFondo 17:00pm Flight Centre Active Travel VIP Marquee Closes 17:00pm Expo and Bike Parking Closes Here are the official event hashtags: 17:30pm Amy’s Wall presented by Cycling Tips & Powered by Subaru commences from the bottom of Bay Street #AGF outside the Lorne Hotel #AmysGranFondo 18:30 Amy’s Wall Presentations
PAGE 3 NEW IN 2014
AMY’S WALL AMY’S OTWAY CLASSIC
Saturday evening comes alive with the first Amy’s Wall powered by Subaru Women’s Subaru Nation Road Series (NRS) race commences at 07:30 on and presented by Cycling Tips. Sunday.
Commencing at the bottom of Bay Street opposite the Lorne Hotel, see the Amy’s Otway Classic, run in conjunction with Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo, hard men and women of cycling sprint four at a time up one of Lorne’s makes its first appearance on the national calendar with riders set to tackle steepest climbs in an all-out thigh burning 110m dash! 110 kilometres from Lorne to Benwerrin.
With cameras ready to capture the vision and live action on the big screen Elite women will begin their race one hour before the mass start of the see all the times and results live while the athletes sit on the hot seat waiting Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo, with riders tackling a testing 10km Queen of the to see if they make the winner takes all final. Better still, take the challenge Mountain at Skenes Creek. yourself with registrations possible on the day at the info marquee within the expo (unless sold out). Amy’s Otway Classic Entries are open to Cycling Australia National Road Series teams and riders and is a fantastic addition to the racing calendar and the promotion of women’s cycling.
PAGE 4 EVENT VILLAGE
EXPO VENUE HIGHLIGHTS
The two day expo, staged at Lorne Surf Lifesaving Club car park (see map), provides great entertainment for riders, their friends, family and supporters. The range of activities includes;
VIP Flight Centre Active Travel VIP Marquee Food vendors: Genovese Licensed: local wineries and Pasta Cafe’: Post Ride pasta FOOD Coffee supplied by Soul beer producers zone Kitchen and more! Main Stage Activities: Big Screen: Live racing action Highlights, interviews, social INFO event presentation, key streaming from event finish media updates sponsor TVC personalities and interviews line, Amy’s Hill Sprint and interviews
Pulse FM live radio broadcast Kids Entertainment: rock FUN Selfie Zone on Saturday and Sunday wall and jumping castle
Bike Mechanical support RIDERS Event information marquee Free Secure Bike Parking from event partners Wiggle
Event Merchandise from the event merchandise marquee in the expo proudly produced MERCH by Sub4 and Apres Velo
UWCT UWCT Qualifiers Medal collection from Medal Collection Marquee
Expo Exhibitors including key Event Partners Wiggle, Subaru, African Wildlife Safaris, Carman’s PARTNERS Nutrition, Hydralyte and more supported by leading bike industry clothing, equipment suppliers.
PAGE 5 GRAN FONDO COURSE MAP
PAGE 6 MEDIO FONDO COURSE MAP
PAGE 7 PICCOLO FONDO COURSE MAP
PAGE 8 ROAD CLOSURES
Road Closures to All Traffic If arriving into Lorne on Sunday morning, please plan your trip to avoid road closures. To ensure the safety of all event participants and the community temporary changes to traffic conditions must be implemented on Sunday 14th September 2014. Road Location / Closure Approx Times Mountjoy Parade, Between Grove Rd & Bay St 7:00am - 9:30am Lorne Great Ocean Road Between Bay St, Lorne and 7:00am - 11:00am Skene’s Creek Rd, Skenes *06:30am for vehicles trav- Creek. elling Apollo Bay - Lorne Skenes Creek Rd Between the Great Ocean Rd, 8:00am - 1:00pm and Beech Forrest Rd (*Turtons *limited local access to Track) Turtons Track from Approx. 11:30am Forrest-Apollo Bay Between Beech Forrest Rd (Tur- 8:00am - 1:00pm Rd, tons Track) & Colac Forrest Rd Birregurra – Forrest Between Colac Forrest Rd and 9:00am - 2:00pm Rd Division Rd Division Rd, Barwon Between Birregurra - Forrest Rd 9:00am - 2:00pm Downs and Murroon Rd Murroon Rd, Barwon Between Division Rd & Penny- 9:00 am - 2:00pm Downs royal Station Rd DIVERSION ROUTE & KEY ACCESS POINTS Pennyroyal Station Between Murroon Rd and 9:00 am - 2:00pm Rd, Deans Marsh Bushes Rd The principal diversion route both east and west bound avoiding the Great Ocean Bushes Rd, Deans Between Pennyroyal Station Rd 9:00 am - 2:00pm Road is via the Princes Highway through Winchelsea to Colac, then the C155 from Marsh & Birregurra – Deans Marsh Rd Colac through Gellibrand to Lavers Hill and vice versa. The key access points in and out of the area during the closure periods for local traffic are: Birregurra-Deans Between Bushes Rd & Deans 09:30am - 3:30pm Marsh Rd Marsh - Lorne Rd Lorne Use the Great Ocean Road to / from Anglesea Deans Marsh-Lorne Between Birregurra - Deans 09:30am - 3:30pm Apollo Bay and Use the Great Ocean Road to / from Lavers Hill Rd Marsh Rd & Neade St, Lorne Skenes Creek Forrest Use the Colac Forrest Road to / from Colac Deans Marsh Use the Princes Highway via either Birregurra or Winchelsea
PAGE 9 ROAD CLOSURES
IMPORTANT ACCESS INFORMATION Beech Forrest
Amy’s Gran Fondo - Sunday 14 September 2014 The section of Skenes Creek Road between the Great Ocean Road and Beech Forrest Road will be accessible to local traffic only between 11:30am Traffic control measures as approved by Victoria Police and relevant road -01:30pm authorities will be temporarily installed on all intersections and access points to private property that provide vehicle access onto the course (see map). Minor PARKING roads, residential and business driveways adjoining the course will be closed progressively from dawn on the morning of the event. Parking in Lorne will be limited and the following designated car parks will be closed: LOCAL ACCESS/ APPROVED MOVEMENTS LOCATION CLOSURE TIMES Foreshore Carpark (North of Surf Life Saving Dusk Friday 12th - evening Sun- Skenes Creek & Forrest Club) day 14th Car Park south of Surf Life Saving Club Dusk Saturday 13th - 04:00 pm Some residents of Skenes Creek and Forrest will be able to cross the course Sunday 14th under the direction of Victoria Police or other authorised persons for the Foreshore Carpark (Lorne Swimming Pools) Dusk Saturday 13th - 04:00 pm duration of the closure at the following locations: Sunday 14th Car parks along the Great Ocean Road be- Dusk Saturday 13th - 11:00 am Properties accessed along or off Old Coach Road, Skenes Creek, can be tween Lorne and Skenes Creek Sunday 14th accessed by approaching the Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay. Residents can cross over (but not turn into) Birregurra Forrest Road using Colac Forrest TRAFFIC HOTLINE Road and Henry Road. A traffic hotline will operate for information and advice during the event as Wye River follows:
Residents of Wye River will be permitted to turn Left onto the Great Ocean - Friday 12 September between 9am and 5pm Road (Lorne bound) at 10:30am if they present themselves at the following - Saturday 13 September between 9am and 5pm locations: - Sunday 14 September between 6am and 4pm
- Sarsfield St / Great Ocean Road The contact number for the Traffic Hotline is 0457 467 809. - Stanway Drive / Great Ocean Road - Wallace Ave / Great Ocean Road The contact email for any traffic concerns is: [email protected] - The Boulevarde / Great Ocean Road - Morley Ave / Great Ocean Road For all other event information please head to www.amysgranfondo.org.au
PAGE 10 EVENT SPONSORS
We thank all our event sponsors, partners and suppliers for their contribution to the 2014 Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo. EVENT PARTNERS
DELIVERY PARTNERS MEDIA PARTNERS
EVENT SUPPORTERS GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
PAGE 11
MEDIA RELEASE 11 August 2014
The bold and the beautiful set to ride the Great Ocean Road at Amy’s Gran Fondo
The Great Ocean Road will become a bike rider’s paradise on Sunday 14th September when the Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo provides 5,000 cyclists the unique experience of riding along a fully closed Great Ocean Road.
Capturing Australia’s growing interest in recreational cycling, the Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo will depart from Lorne and embark on a ride that will take participants along the Great Ocean Road, as well as Apollo Bay and the Otway Ranges.
Cyclists can participate in 110km, 40km or family friendly 14km events.
Joining the thousands of MAMIL’s and MAWIL’s (middle aged men and women in lycra) will be The Bold and the Beautiful star Katherine Kelly Lang, who as Brooke Logan is the mainstay of the world’s most watched daytime drama.
Putting aside her ‘Forester Originals’ for lycra, Lang is a regular participant in cycling events around the globe and will make a special trip to Lorne to participate in the event.
The event also has a serious side; with the inaugural Amy’s Otway Classic set to feature Australia’s top women’s cycling teams as part of Cycling Australia’s Subaru National Road Series.
The serious amateur riders will also have their eyes set on a place at the 2015 amateur road cycling world championships, with the event one of twelve worldwide qualifiers.
In its fourth year, the event is held in memory of Australian cycling team member Amy Gillett, who tragically lost her life in a training ride in Germany in 2005 when hit by a car.
Amy’s Gran Fondo is a vital event in generating fundraising that allows the Amy Gillett Foundation to continue their mission of safe cycling in Australia.
Simon Gillett, Patron of the Amy Gillett Foundation, said Amy’s Gran Fondo is the only mass participation cycling event in Australia with full road closures, staggered starts and a compulsory safety briefing for every rider.
“This is a once-a-year opportunity to ride the fully closed Great Ocean Road,” Gillett said.
“While there are riders who come to Amy’s Gran Fondo aiming to win, there are thousands more who come along to enjoy the ride in what is one of Australia’s favourite cycling events,” Gillett said.
The Amy Gillett Foundation aims to reduce the incidence of death and injury of bike riders through safety awareness and education, and by influencing public policy with a mission of safe cycling for all Australians and a vision of zero bicycle rider fatalities.
Amy’s Gran Fondo generates vital fundraising to support the Amy Gillett Foundation’s tireless efforts to promote shared respect between motorists and bike riders and reduce the incidence of death and injury of bike riders through improved conditions for cycling.
All proceeds and fundraising associated with Amy’s Gran Fondo will be directed towards cycling safety research, advocacy and educational campaigns and programs.
There are still spots available for all three rides. Enter now at www.amysgranfondo.org.au.
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Picture attached: riders take on the Great Ocean Road at Amy’s Gran Fondo (Credit: Veeral Patel)
2014 Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo – Key Details When: Sunday 14th September 2014
Where: Great Ocean Road, Lorne, Victoria.
What: 110km Amy’s Gran Fondo, that travels the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay then through the Otway ranges to Benwerrin outside Lorne.
40km Media Fondo along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, with bus transfers available back to Lorne.
14km Piccolo Fondo for families and kids from Lorne to Cumberland River Lookout and return.
Enter at www.amysgranfondo.org.au
Who: 5000 amateur cyclists ranging from 5-75+ years. In 2013, 25% of participants came from interstate to experience the thrill of riding the fully closed Great Ocean Road.
For further information, or to arrange For further information on the Amy Gillett interviews (media only), please contact: Foundation, please contact:
David Culbert – Amy’s Gran Fondo media David Lee – Amy Gillett Foundation 03 9822 7110 or 0417 272 641 03 9533 3188 or 0402 563 784 or by email: [email protected] or by email: [email protected]
MEDIA RELEASE Sunday 10 August 2014
The Bold and the Beautiful and the Bike Katherine Kelly Lang’s Great Ocean Road Destiny
She is one of the world’s most famous fashionistas as “Brooke Logan” or (depending on which week you are viewing) “Brooke Logan Forrester” on the most watched daytime drama series in the world, The Bold and the Beautiful.
As one of the original cast members Katherine Kelly Lang has been the star attraction in the lives and loves of the Forrester and Spencer men, and the centrepiece of many scandals, tragedies, battles and epic stares since episode one in March 1987.
But in September 2014, Lang will momentarily set aside the haute couture of ‘Forrester Originals’ to pull on another familiar fashion choice - lycra.
A fitness enthusiast, with a love of equestrian, triathlon and cycling events, Katherine Kelly Lang will join in one of Australia’s most unique cycling experiences alongside 5,000 others for Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo on Sunday 14th September.
With a clear passion for cycling, Lang’s twitter account (@KatherineKellyL) shows a recent trip following the Tour de France including fan snaps with Bradley Wiggins, Jens Voigt and Fabian Cancellara, and a cycling jaunt through Treviso, Italy.
Amy’s Gran Fondo will provide an equally inspiring experience for Lang. Participants will depart from Lorne and embark on a ride that will take them along the Great Ocean Road, as well as Apollo Bay and the Otway Ranges - providing an outstanding opportunity for the American actress to take in some of Australia’s most spectacular views.
There are three different rides on offer, with all starting at Lorne. There is the 110km Amy’s Gran Fondo which Lang will ride, and take riders to Apollo Bay and through the Otway Ranges.
The 40km Medio Fondo rides from Lorne to Apollo Bay, with the 14km Piccolo Fondo being a family, kids and community friendly course.
Lang is looking forward to her trip downunder saying, “I love Australia, the people, the culture the way of life in Australia. I’m a very outdoors person so Australia is a perfect place for me to visit.”
“I love cycling and triathlons! This year I was invited to some of the most prestigious bike races, Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. My boyfriend and I always travel with our bikes. Wherever we go we have our bikes and look for new places to ride. I’m so excited to ride in Amy’s Gran Fondo. We’re looking forward to riding on the Great Ocean Road and taking in the amazing views,” she said.
David Lee, head of partnerships and fundraising at the Amy Gillett Foundation said Lang’s participation in the event will be a thrill, particularly for those who are devotees of the show.
“We are thrilled that Katherine is joining us in Lorne. She is a big supporter of charity cycling events around the world and it’s an honour for the Amy Gillett Foundation that she has chosen to support our event whilst she is in Australia.”
“We are already excited that we have passed last year’s entry numbers and are edging towards a sold out event for the first time in the event’s history. With the Amy’s Otway Classic and another initiative to be announced this week, it is set to be a fantastic weekend for cycling,” Lee said.
Charities supported by Katherine Kelly Lang include Breakaway from Cancer providing resources and assistance to people affected by cancer, and Union Rescue Mission serving men, women and children experiencing homelessness.
In its fourth year, Amy’s Gran Fondo is held in memory of Australian cycling team member Amy Gillett, who tragically lost her life on a training ride in Germany in 2005 when hit by a car.
Amy’s Gran Fondo is a vital event in generating fundraising that allows the Amy Gillett Foundation to continue their mission of safe cycling in Australia. Helping fund Research Honours Students to further AGF’s leading research in bike rider safety, as well as deliver policy based campaigns nationally are just some of the primary objectives.
Amy’s Gran Fondo is the only cycling event on a fully closed Great Ocean Road. There are still spots available for all three rides. Join Lang, and enter now at www.amysgranfondo.org.au.
A world away from the chaotic love triangle of Bill Spencer and the high haired Ridge Forrester, Brooke’s ‘destiny’, Katherine Kelly Lang’s Surf Coast ride will be a highlight of her visit downunder.
In Australia to launch her ‘Katherine Kelly Lang Kaftan’ exclusive collection for TV Shopping Network TVSN, Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo is sure to provide Katherine Kelly Lang with an experience that is, well… unforgettable.
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2014 Amy’s Gran Fondo – Key Details When: Sunday 14th September 2014
Where: Great Ocean Road, Lorne, Victoria.
What: 110km Amy’s Gran Fondo, that travels the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay then through the Otway ranges to Benwerrin outside Lorne.
40km Media Fondo along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, with bus transfers available back to Lorne.
14km Piccolo Fondo for families and kids from Lorne to Cumberland River Lookout and return.
Enter at www.amysgranfondo.org.au
Who: 5000 amateur cyclists ranging from 5-75+ years. In 2013, 25% of participants came from interstate to experience the thrill of riding the fully closed Great Ocean road.
For further information, or to arrange For further information on the Amy Gillett interviews (media only), please contact: Foundation, please contact:
David Culbert – Amy’s Gran Fondo media David Lee – Amy Gillett Foundation 03 9822 7110 or 0417 272 641 03 9533 3188 or 0402 563 784 or by email: [email protected] or by email: [email protected]
MEDIA RELEASE Tuesday 9 September 2014
2015 UCI World Cycling Tour to kick off in Australia with Amy’s Gran Fondo in Lorne
Just weeks after the conclusion of the 2014 season in Europe, the 2015 UCI World Cycling Tour series gets underway in Australia with the opening event to be staged this weekend in the most spectacular setting.
The fourth edition of the Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo will be held this Sunday 14th September with 5,000 participants set to enjoy the unique experience of riding along a fully closed Great Ocean Road in Lorne, Victoria.
Amy’s Gran Fondo will once again begin the global UCI World Cycling Tour (UWCT) series in which the top 25% of finishers in each age group qualifier for the 2015 Amateur World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Australia’s best amateur riders will be in attendance, and in 2015 the weekend will also feature the inaugural Amy’s Otway Classic, featuring Australia’s top women’s cycling teams as part of Cycling Australia’s Subaru National Road Series.
Included in the field of Gran Fondo riders is Bold and the Beautiful star Katherine Kelly Lang, who plays Brooke Logan-Forrester in the world’s most popular daytime drama. A keen cyclist, Lang arrives in Australia on Thursday and is coming to Lorne especially to participate in the event. Defending champion Peta Mullins will also return for the event, fresh from the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships.
Amy’s Gran Fondo is staged by the Amy Gillett Foundation and is held in memory of Australian cycling team member Amy Gillett, who tragically lost her life during a training ride in Germany in 2005 when hit by a car.
Amy’s Gran Fondo is a vital event in generating fundraising that allows the Amy Gillett Foundation to continue their mission of safe cycling in Australia. Helping fund research honours students to further AGF’s leading research in bike rider safety, as well as deliver policy based campaigns nationally are just some of the primary objectives.
The event also contributes to the global ‘Cycling for all’ efforts by promoting shared respect between motorists and bike riders in an effort to reduce the incidence of death and injury of bike riders through improved conditions for cycling.
All proceeds and fundraising associated with Amy’s Gran Fondo will be directed towards cycling safety research, advocacy and educational campaigns and programs.
Amy Gillett Foundation CEO and UCI Vice President Tracey Gaudry said the weekend was the pinnacle event in the Foundation’s annual events calendar and the perfect way to kick off the 2015 UWCT calendar.
"The event has all the ingredients from the Amy Gillett Foundations DNA,” Gaudry said.
“Safety first, a distance for everyone, a chance to challenge yourself and qualify for the Amateur World Road Championships, AustCycle bike skill courses and educational programs for school kids across the region, and now in memory of Amy we have included Amy's Otway Classic for Australian professional and semi-professional women cyclists," Gaudry added.
“This is a once-a-year opportunity to ride the fully closed Great Ocean Road, and the first opportunity for participants to qualify for the UWCT final in Copenhagen next year.”
Riders can choose to enter one of three different rides on offer including a 40km Medio Fondo and the 14km Piccolo Fondo for families. However it is the 110Km Gran Fondo that takes riders from Lorne to Apollo Bay and through the Otway Ranges that has the serious cyclist focussed on a spot at the amateur world championships. Online entries close at midnight on Wednesday 10 September.
For more information about the event visit www.amysgranfondo.org.au
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Picture attached: riders take on the Great Ocean Road at Amy’s Gran Fondo (Credit: Veeral Patel)
For further information, or to arrange For further information on the Amy Gillett interviews (media only), please contact: Foundation, please contact:
David Culbert – Amy’s Gran Fondo media David Lee – Amy Gillett Foundation 03 9822 7110 or 0417 272 641 03 9533 3188 or 0402 563 784 or by email: [email protected] or by email: [email protected]