With the third edition of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival approaching, Mayor Lisa Scomazzon recently announced that Douglas Shire Council has secured the Festival for another three years, extending it through to 2027. 

This annual cycling event is set to kick off this Saturday, September 7. Mayor Scomazzon made the announcement last Friday at Choo Choos by the Marina.

Mayor Scomazzon said Council had no hesitation in continuing its support for the festival.

“The event is steadily growing and so too is our reputation as a tourism destination for cyclists and mountain bike riders. The combined economic benefit of the 2022/2023 events is more than $2.8 million and visitor numbers exceeding 4000,” she said.

“Gran Fondo is well organised, has wide appeal and is the ideal fit for the region’s existing bike culture.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen welcomed the support for Port Douglas Gran Fondo to run another three years.

“Port Douglas Gran Fondo is part of a healthy Tropical North Queensland event calendar and over the past three years has broadened its reach, bringing in more interstate visitors,” he said. 

“This certainty will assist with marketing even further afield, especially in places like Japan where there is strong interest in participating in sporting events in the only place where the ancient rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Olsen said.

Road closures debate

The Great Barrier Reef Drive will be closed for half a day on Sunday, September 8, with timed 136 km and 100 km return Gran Fondo rides from Port Douglas to Palm Cove, a 60km Semi Fondo ride from Port Douglas to Wangetti and back, and a 48 km one-way leisurely Medio Fondo ride from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.

The road closure is a topic of debate within the Douglas Shire community, as residents express frustration over limited access to roads during the event.

Bade Stapleton, Festival Director, reassured concerned residents, saying that in case of emergencies, they can arrange police escorts for those needing urgent access.

In addition to addressing local issues, Mr Stapleton mentioned that he will travel to Japan to promote Gran Fondo 2025, signalling ongoing efforts to enhance the festival's profile beyond the region.