VIDEO: Port Douglas Gran Fondo heralded major success as thousands enjoy festival across the Shire

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Michael Warren

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Thousands of patrons took advantage of sunny conditions to enjoy the second Port Douglas Gran Fondo. Video: Gran Fondo/Threadless Films

The Port Douglas Gran Fondo has continued to cement its status as an inclusive, family friendly festival after thousands of patrons enjoyed the second year of the event across the Shire at the weekend.

An exhausted but completely fulfilled event director Bade Stapleton couldn’t have been happier with the feedback from many different stakeholders.

“Gran Fondo festival above all else is a family event in which people can choose to ride in one of our events, or simply enjoy the range of activations on offer during the event,” Bade told Newsport.

“The feedback – from families, to riders, to spectators, to sponsors, to the members of the public exceeded our expectations.

“That is very satisfying to hear because the whole purpose of the festival is simply about participation and enjoyment.”

The action kicked off on Saturday with the 40km Hartley’s to Port Douglas mountain bike race which saw competitors ride from Hartley’s Crocodile Farm, up Quaid Road, on to Black Mountain Road, along the famed Bump track to a finish at Four Mile beach.

Later, the Lexus of Cairns Criterium, Choo Choos free family ride (which included free ice cream) and the Hemingway’s Brewery Sprint events were each held throughout the afternoon.

Yesterday, the 136km and 100km return Gran Fondo rides from Port Douglas to Palm Cove, a 60km Semi Fondo ride from Port Douglas to Rex Lookout and back and a 48km one-way leisurely Medio Fondo ride took place to round out another brilliant festival.

 

 

Thousands of riders took part in the second Port Douglas Gran Fondo festival over the weekend. All pictures: Martin Nievas

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