Great Ocean Road region to host 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

Victoria’s spectacular Great Ocean Road region will roll out the welcome mat to cyclists from more than 50 countries for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

With the support of the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria, the world’s leading amateur road cycling event, incorporating a road race, time trial and team criterium, will be held from October 17-19, 2025.

Surf Coast Shire Council will host the major event hub, road race and time trial in Lorne.

The road race will be held on the same course and weekend as Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo, providing participants the opportunity to explore the Great Ocean Road, Otway Ranges and all the region has to offer.

In addition, City of Greater Geelong will host a team relay event on its iconic waterfront, already renowned for staging world-class cycling events including the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner said the Great Ocean Road region would be the perfect location for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, which is expected to attract more than 3,200 international and interstate participants and crew.

“This is just the third time the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships have been staged outside of Europe, and I couldn’t think of a more beautiful region to host this international event and showcase not only Australia’s, but also regional Victoria’s natural beauty and everything it has to offer.

“Those who have ridden Amy’s Gran Fondo in the past will know that while the scenery is beautiful taking in farmland, lush rainforest and a stunning coastline, the course is challenging and will test the best age category riders from across the world.”

“We can’t wait to welcome international and interstate competitors and their families and show them why they shouldn’t miss the chance to race along the rolling roads of the Great Ocean Road.”

Surf Coast Shire Council Cr Mike Bodsworth, Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority Paul Rogasch, Amy Gillett Foundation CEO Dan Kneipp, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism General Manager Liz Prize, , AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner, Member for Geelong & Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples Christine Couzens MP, City of Greater Geelong Cr Jim Mason, local cyclist Marion Leeke, Surf Coast Shire Council CEO Robyn Seymour, Surf Coast Shire Council Cr Gary Allen, and Executive General Manager Sport AusCycling Kipp Kaufmann. Photo: Leon Walker

Surf Coast Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Mike Bodsworth said:

“Surf Coast Shire Council is delighted to be the Host City for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

“Our strategic investment in cycling infrastructure, experiences and events over the past decade has paid dividends, as road cycling events held within our shire consistently attract more participants than any other region in Victoria.

“We are excited for these world championships to strengthen the Surf Coast Shire’s status as a cycling destination, joining the likes of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Amy’s Gran Fondo, the Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride, and Great Victorian Bike Ride on our incredible Surf Coast Events calendar.”

Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said:

“Geelong has firmly established itself on the world cycling map, and it’s fantastic that riders from across the globe will get to experience all the region has to offer.

“This destination event will showcase our region’s attractions to a whole new audience and provide a significant boost to our visitor economy.”

Further details on the 2025 event, including the time trial and team criterium routes, will be announced later this year.

Main photo: Leon Walker