Velothon 2018, Stage 3: Obi Obi

Obi Obi, so hard they named it twice. The question most likely to be posed amongst riders on the start line won’t be how quickly they ascended it but whether they will ride or walk it.

Photography: Tim Bardsley-Smith

In 2017 Velothon launched their world series and the Sunshine Coast featured as Australia’s inaugural entry. As any of the three-day riders would testify it was an event to remember, so much so Velothon are returning to Maroochydore on their six stop world tour from July 20-22, 2018.

Velothon Sunshine Coast Stage 3

Velothon has saved the biggest and best for last. At 152 kilometres and over 2,000 metres of climbing, riders may feel appropriately concerned after they’ve caught their breath from the first Sprint sector and realise they’ve also passed a hydration station and still haven’t encountered any climbs in the first hour of riding. Don’t be fooled by the gentle roll north along the beaches to Noosa.

From Noosa it’s west and to the first KOM at the 40 kilometre mark, setting the tone for the next 80 kilometres. It all climaxes at Obi Obi, where riders were warned of this beast and despite their best preparations not a single rider escaped the suffering, if you can be sure to take in the amazing views. By our numbers 34 wasn’t the average speed of the day but the recommended cassette size. At 27% gradient we might even go higher.

1 Day Velo

If the promise of three days away is unlikely, the 1 Day Velo is for you. The 152 kilometre option repeats Stage 3 albeit with fresher legs. If Obi Obi is not the climb you were looking for, try the 90km option, taking in the first Sprint and KOM points then branching of for a shorter look with a similar feel but half the climbing required. Riders will get to enjoy the same start and finish location near Maroochydore. A great option for a taste of what’s on offer.

Key Details:

Stage 3 & 152km 1 Day Velo

Event date: Sunday, 22 July 2017

Start: Twin Waters

Finish: Cotton Tree Park, Maroochydore

Distance: 152km Elevation Gain: 2,073m

KOM: 2 Sprints: 2

90km 1 Day Velo

Event date: Sunday, 22 July 2017

Start: Twin Waters

Finish: Cotton Tree Park, Maroochydore

Distance: 90km Elevation Gain: 1037m

KOM: 1 Sprints: 1

For full event details and entry head to Velothon Sunshine Coast. Entries are open now.

velothonsunshinecoast.com.au






Cyclist Australia/NZ