In July this year, Australia will host its first ever Velothon. Set on the Sunshine Coast, an hour north of Brisbane, riders will have the opportunity to tackle not just a 1 Day, but a 3 Day Velothon, covering some of the most challenging and truly stunning roads in Australia. Here’s what to expect on stage 1.
Photography: Marcus Enno (Beardy McBeard)
The aim of Velothon is to bring a stage race environment into a grand fondo setting. It is a global series of events, that will span across Germany, Wales, Sweden, Canada and Australia in 2017. The Australian edition will not disappoint, with the home of the event set in the picturesque beach-side town of Mooloolaba.
Velo Clubhouse:
Velothon wants to challenge riders across the event, but above all, it is about riding with mates and enjoying the journey. That’s why Velothon Sunshine Coast will set up a Velo Clubhouse, right on the beach in Mooloolaba. This will be the hub of the event, a place where riders can come drink delicious coffee and cold beer, eat snacks and watch the highlights of the Tour de France – all on the big screen! It’s an exciting element to the event which we are sure will become a big highlight for the riders.
Velothon Sunshine Coast Stage 1:
For the first stage of Velothon, organisers have not held back. Across the 110km route from Sippy Downs to Buderim, riders will encounter relentless short form climbs, fast descents, and amazing scenery. It will be a fantastic taster of things to come and sets riders up for a challenging three days of riding.
It is a course that will creep up on you, with several climbs and descents, it is a day that will challenge once the fatigue begins to set in. Riders are likely to reach close to 500m altitude in some sections of the course.
Key Details (Stage 1):
The main element of the first stage is the constant undulations. This relentless nature of the course will test riders legs more than they may anticipate. There will be two KOM sections, where riders will be timed from bottom to top. It also features two timed sprint sections for those that prefer the flatter roads.
Be sure to catch a glimpse of the Glass House Mountains as you ride, these hill formations are one of the unique and beautiful elements of the Sunshine Coast. There will be plenty of moments to spot them throughout the course, but if you have enough breath, take a peek out left as you ride the first KOM!
Event date: 14th of July 2017
Location: Sunshine Coast, Australia
Start: Sippy Downs
Finish: Buderim
Distance: 110km
KOM: 2
Sprints: 2
For full details and entry head to the Sunshine Coast microsite.
Our preview doesn’t stop here. Get all the details around the remaining stages including stage maps, distance, elevation and what to expect:
Stage 2 – Caloundra to Nambour
Stage 3 – Twin Waters to Mooloolaba
