Velothon is coming to the Sunshine Coast

Get ready Sunshine Coast, the inaugural Velothon cycling event, featuring hundreds of riders, is coming to Australia for the first time from July 13-16.

Based from a special event clubhouse at Cotton Tree, the four-day road cycling event has attracted both professional and amateur riders with courses spanning the region.

With a three-day ride covering 361km and more than 5km of climbing or a one-day ride of either 95km or 155km and up to 2km of climbing, the event is designed to combine the best elements of a Gran Fondo-style race with an enjoyable riding climate and scenery of the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the event would showcase the whole region.

“Sunshine Coast Council has partnered with IRONMAN Oceania to bring this exciting event to Australia for the first time,” Cr OPray said.

“The event will see up to 600 participants riding from the hinterland to the headland, which will all be showcased extensively on social media.

“It’s the first time an event on the Sunshine Coast has spanned the whole region where participants will travel through our region’s beautiful and diverse landscape.

“Our beautiful surrounds, warm welcome and hospitality from our community will be a great enticement to the participants to come back again as tourists.”

Dave Beeche, IRONMAN Managing Director said it was exciting to be bring the Velothon brand to Australia.

“We are pleased to be able to bring another world-class event to the Sunshine Coast in what will be a first for the Southern Hemisphere,” Mr Beece said.

“We wanted to create the ultimate winter cycling experience on and off the bike with the idea to get friends or family together for a cycling holiday, riding in a great climate through stunning countryside, then sitting back to relax at the event hub at Cotton Tree watching tour highlights and reminiscing about the day’s riding.

“It’s a format that has proved successful overseas with Velothons well established in Berlin (15,000 riders), Wales (15,000 riders) and Stockholm (4500 riders) and it’s exciting for us to expand this successful event into Australia with the launch of the inaugural Velothon Sunshine Coast.”

Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, Buderim 4556, Montville Chamber of Commerce and Mooloolaba Business and Tourism are also involved in rolling out a welcome to the riders, with a series of promotional activations over the three days of riding.

Caloundra Chamber of Commerce representative Jane Chapman said Moffat Beach and the chamber would be hosting a welcome breakfast for participants, guests and local residents.

“Moffat Beach’s involvement in this inaugural event is a fantastic opportunity to engage our local community and businesses and promote destination Caloundra,” Ms Chapman said.

Montville Chamber of Commerce President Shiralle Cooper said that the town looked forward to saying “hello to velo”.

“We’re excited that this event is coming through the heart of Montville and that riders will have the chance to enjoy not just the Coast, but also our beautiful Hinterland surrounds,” Mrs Cooper said.

Cr OPray noted that the some changed traffic conditions would occur throughout the four-day event with police controlling rolling traffic delays as the event moves throughout the region.

“There will be some changed traffic conditions and periods of police controlled rolling traffic delays as part of this event,” Cr OPray said.

“We would encourage our community to provide a warm welcome to these cyclists and as our residents to be patient during these times to ensure the safety of our visitors.”

For more information about the event, including changed traffic conditions, course maps, visit www.velothonsunshinecoast.com or call the event hotline 1300 761 384.

Local “Hello Velo” activations

Velothon Clubhouse at Cotton Tree open to general public on Friday to Sunday

FRIDAY, JULY 14:

• Sea FM outside broadcast and breakfast at the Buderim Wanderers Soccer Club from 6.30am
• Montville rolls out the welcome from 8.45am – 11.00am. Come and join in the fun with live music playing, unique shops, cosy cafes and awesome views. Further details

SATURDAY, JULY 15

• Moffat’s BIG Biking Breakfast. A free public breakfast, live event and kiddie activation (beach obstacle course, games and prizes for best dressed) from 6.30am. Further details

SUNDAY, JULY 16:

• Sea FM outside broadcast at Cotton Tree for completion of race from 8am

Sea FM Best Dressed Premises Competition.

In partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and Velothon, SeaFM is running a Best Dressed Premises competition for local schools and businesses.

Best Dressed School

Register your interest below and then dress your school or create specially painted bikes. The winning school will receive a three-hour outside broadcast.

Best Dressed Business

Register your interest below and dress your premises. The winning business will receive a $2000 advertising package on 919 Sea FM.

For more information, visit http://www.919seafm.com.au/velothon-sunshine-coast/