Description
WHAT IS THE TOP END GRAN FONDO?
Gran Fondo, meaning “big endurance”, is a long-distance, timed cycling event that welcomes competitive, amateur and recreational cyclists of all abilities.
The Gran Fondo is a hugely popular and celebrated tradition in the Italian cycling world. Gran Fondo, meaning “big endurance”, is a long-distance, timed cycling event that welcomes competitive, amateur and recreational cyclists of all abilities.
The primary focus of a Grand Fondo is participation.
Some cyclists ride for the satisfaction and pride in making it to the finish. Others want to improve on their previous times and to challenge themselves. And while it is not a race, some ride to be first.
Gran Fondos have only recently become part of the Australian cycling scene with the first two events being held in 2011 – the Amy Gillet Gran Fondo in Victoria and the Opperman Gran Fondo in Tasmania.
The 2012 Top End Gran Fondo was the third ever to be held in Australia. In 2013, with Gran Fondos throughout Australia held in Wollongong, the Great Ocean Road, the Gold Coast and Launceston, the Top End event has become an annual event in the Australian cycling calendar, showcasing the unique NT landscape.
Event History
The Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo is the major fundraiser each year for the Darwin Cycling Club.
Beginning in 2012 with a ride that went from Mandorah to Darwin, there was just the one distance for the first few years. In 2015 a new partnership was born with Pedals NT and Epic Events and Marketing being brought in to help organise the event.
A ‘Half Fondo’ and ‘Mini Fondo’ were added to the overall day.
A new course was also developed, with all events starting and finishing at the Darwin Waterfront.
The Full Fondo heading as far out as a lap of the Territory Wildlife Park.
In 2018 some additions to the event were made, with a new ‘Fun Fondo’ being added over 25km and the distances being moved out to 145km for the ‘Full Fondo’ and 75km for the ‘Half Fondo’.
Now we gear up for the 2019 edition on Sunday 18th August. Entries now open for the 2019 event
ABOUT THE TOP END GRAN FONDO (145KM)
The traditional 'Full Fondo' course will be the same as the 2018 edition, covering 145km of Australia's Top End.
Starting and finishing at the Darwin Waterfront, it takes in a lap of the city of Darwin, out the Stuart Highway and a lap of the Territory Wildlife Park. For the first time this year we’ll take in a lap around Darwin River, before heading back to Darwin via Tiger Brennan Drive.
Start time: 6:30am - Stokes Hill Road
Entry into the Sunbuild 145km Full Fondo includes;
* Professional timing
* Aid station supplies, including electrolytes from Hammer Nutrition
* On course support
* Official event jersey
* Official event drink bottle
* Post ride brunch at 'The Precinct'
Please note, course cuttoff to hit aid station 2 is 9:15am. If a rider passes this junction (Cox Peninsula and Finn Road) after 9:00am, you'll be diverted down Finn Road, towards the finish line.
ABOUT THE HALF FONDO (75KM)
The Darwin Family Law Half Fondo starts shortly after the Full Fondo and carries much of the same course early on.
The 75km course goes out to Howard Springs, turns and comes back the other side of Palmerston before heading back to the Darwin Waterfront via Tiger Brennan Drive.
Start time: 7:00am
Entry into the Darwin Family Law 75km Half Fondo includes;
* Professional timing
* Aid station supplies, including electrolytes from Hammer Nutrition
* Official event jersey
* On course support
* Official event drink bottle
* Access to purchase additional event merchandise
ABOUT THE KIRKLAND LAKE GOLD FUN FONDO (25KM)
Starting and finishing at the Darwin Waterfront, the City of Darwin Fun Fondo is a 25km ride out to Hidden Valley and back.
At just $25 for adults and $15 for U’21, it is the perfect event for the novice rider.
Start time: 7:30am
Entry into the 25km City of Darwin Fun Fondo includes;
* Professional timing
* Aid station supplies, including electrolytes from Hammer Nutrition
* On course support
* Official event drink bottle
* Access to purchase additional event merchandise
ABOUT MINI FONDO (3KM)
One for the kids, this entrée to cycling is a great way to get your kids on their bike.
Heading out along the duck pond, it’s a safe ride on the road and kids can take in the whole event environment with the same start and finish line as all our events.
Start time: 8:00am
Entry into the 3km Mini Fondo includes;
* On course support
* Official event drink bottle
* Race Number (not timed)
* Access to purchase additional event merchandise
Type: Road Bike Tours
Continents: Oceania
Duration: 1 - 3 Days
Rider Level: Intermediate
Distance Per Day: Varied
Bike Provided?: No
ID: 105561512
Specifications
Event Costs - up until August 15
145km Gran Fondo
Early Adult - $150
Early U/18 - $100
25km Fun Fondo
Early Adult - $30.00
Early U/21 - $20.00
75km Half Fondo
Early Adult - $100
Early U/18 - $75
3km Mini Fondo
Early Adult - $10.00
Early U/18 - $10.00
THE BELOW INFORMATION RELATES TO THE 2018 EVENT, BUT MUCH OF THE INFO WILL HELP YOUR 2019 EVENT PLANNING STILL.
When is the next edition of the Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo?
The 2019 Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo will be on Sunday 18th August. Entries will open in early 2019.
How much does it cost after May 31?
150km Gran Fondo: Adult - $150.00, U/21 - $100.00,
75km Half Fondo: Adult - $100.00, U/21 - $75.00
25km Fun Fondo: Adult - $30.00, U/21 - $20.00
3km Mini Fondo: Adult - $10.00, U/21 - $10.00
What happens if I enter, but can’t ride?
If for some reason you can’t participate, you can transfer your registration to a friend at no cost, just contact us
If you can’t transfer it and want a refund, you can do so before 31 July for just a $10 admin fee. If you pull out from 1 August onwards, there will be a 50% admin fee.
How do I buy a jersey or buffet pass?
When you register online, you will be given the opportunity to purchase either or both of these, just click the green + sign to add the amount to your cart.
If you have already registered, simply go back online and enter again by purchasing a ‘merchandise only’ ticket.
What is available at the finish line?
You’re encouraged to stick around the finish and enjoy the festival atmosphere. There will be music, presentations and of course cheer on other competitors as they finish their ride.
Join us at the Precinct for a buffet brunch - included for all Full Fondo entrants, or purchase online.
Are there aid stations out on course?
Yes, there are 4 aid stations on course;
AID STATION 1: Located at Pit Lane Liquor, at approximately 21kms
AID STATION 2: Located at Hopewell Rd/Cox Penninsula. Note this is for Full Fondo riders only, at
approximately 60kms
AID STATION 3: Located on Elrundie Road out the front of Marlows Lagoon, at approximately
120kms for the Full and 45km for the Half Fondo.
AID STATION 4: Hidden Valley Road, approximately 10km from the finish line for the Full, Half and Fun Fondo riders.
Buffet Brunch
Once again we're offering riders a buffet brunch at The Precinct. Valued at $35, all Full Fondo riders get the brunch included if you enter before July 31. Entrants in the Half Fondo, Fun Fondo and Mini Fondo and entrants in the Full Fondo after July 31 can purchase the brunch for a discounted price of $20 online when you register.
Who gets a Jersey?
All participants in the Full Fondo AND Half Fondo will receive an official events jersey. There are also a limited number available to purchase for $59 online.
What is event registration and race number collection?
All entrants need to attend the event registration at the Darwin Waterfront either on Saturday 17th August between 10am and 4pm or on the day of the event from 6:00am to collect event kits and get your bike checked by our mechanics.
How can I enter?
Entries are open online until midnight Thursday August 15. You can register on Saturday 17th at event registration or on the morning up until 30minutes prior to the start of your event.
Who can enter?
Anyone can enter, regardless of age, ability or how new your bike is. A Fondo is not a race, it’s a ride for all levels. The only proviso is that your bike is road worthy and passes the checks by our mechanic. But it can be a road, mountain, hybrid, fixed wheel, tandem or bmx, the choice is yours.
What time do events start?
Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo 150km - 6:30am
Darwin Family Law Half Fondo 75km - 7:00am
Fun Fondo 25km - 7:30am
Mini Fondo 3km - 8:00am
When is the event on in 2019?
The 2019 Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo will be on Sunday 18th August.
What events are there on offer?
There are 4 events to choose from;
Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo – 150km
Darwin Family Law Half Fondo – 75km
Fun Fondo - 25km
Mini Fondo – 3km
