Whether you want to ride a longer distance, take part with friends or test yourself against other riders, a gran fondo gives you a fantastic goal to add to your road cycling calendar. With recreational rides and age group racing options, there are different ways to take part.
Here are three gran fondo events to consider for 2027.
What is a gran fondo?
A gran fondo is an organised road cycling event that brings riders together to take on a set course. Depending on the event, you can enter a recreational category to enjoy the ride and take on a personal challenge or compete against other riders in your age group.
The distances and formats vary, and many events offer shorter options alongside the main gran fondo. Check the distance, how hilly the course is, cut off times and entry requirements to choose a ride that best suits your experience and preparation.
Ride the Gran Fondo Short Course at Road Nationals in Perth
Perth, WA | Sunday 10 January
The gran fondo short course at the 2027 Westbridge Funds Road National Championships in Perth gives you the chance to ride the same roads as Australia’s best cyclists.
Take on two laps of the 13.6km circuit, covering 27.2km on fully closed roads through Kings Park, alongside the Swan River and into Perth’s CBD. And, after your ride, stay to watch the national championship racing with friends or family.
The short course is open to AusCycling members and non-members aged 15 or older, with a minimum riding speed of 20km/hr.
The course includes some hills, so factor that into your preparation.
The longer, 81.6km Gran Fondo National Championships entry allocation is exhausted, with a waitlist available.
Find out more about the Road Nationals Perth gran fondo short course
Choose your gran fondo challenge at Tour de Brisbane
Brisbane, QLD | Sunday 4 April
Tour de Brisbane offers recreational rides of 50km, 80km and 110km, giving you a choice of distances to work towards. Each distance includes the chance to ride over the Story Bridge, and the 110km course also takes on the climb up Mount Coot-tha.
If you’re looking to race, there’s also a separate 110km UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier providing an opportunity to compete against other riders in your age group.
Choose the distance and format that suit your goal, whether you’re riding with friends, taking on a longer course or racing for a result.
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Explore the Great Ocean Road at Amy’s Gran Fondo
Lorne and the Great Ocean Road, VIC | Sunday 12 September
Amy’s Gran Fondo takes riders along the stunning Great Ocean Road and through the Otways on fully closed roads. The 122km course offers separate recreational and age group racing categories, so you can focus on completing the challenge or test yourself against other riders.
The event program includes a 45km medio fondo from Apollo Bay to Lorne and a 90km out and back option. With several distances to choose from, it’s an opportunity to plan a riding weekend on Victoria’s coast with friends or family.
Plan your next gran fondo
Explore the 2027 Road Cycling Calendar to find a gran fondo or organised road ride to work towards.
Interested in gran fondos? Subscribe to gran fondo updates to hear about upcoming events and entry announcements.