The last ride for Gran Fondo this Sunday
Douglas events
The Gran Fondo has been axed, with this Sunday’s event set to be the last.
Organiser Bade Stapleton made the announcement this morning, saying he has “loved every moment” of running the bike race.
“After four unforgettable years, countless memories, and millions injected into the local economy, the time has come to say goodbye to the Gran Fondo,” Mr Stapleton said in a statement released today.
“Thank you to every rider, volunteer, sponsor and supporter who believed in this event from day one.”
Mr Stapleton said the new Run Port Douglas event, which is due to take place on Saturday, will go ahead next year as well.
“We've got an exciting future ahead,” he said.
“Run Port Douglas is here and already breaking records.
“We’re just getting started with a whole new era of celebration, movement, and community.”
The Gran Fondo was axed due to changing global sporting trends, Mr Stapleton said.
“While we have worked hard to build something special, we must acknowledge a tough reality: cycling participation is declining nationwide.
“Despite early success, our rider numbers have dropped steadily since peaking in 2023.”
There has been a 20 per cent decrease in participation this year compared to last year.
Mr Stapleton’s company has been shouldered financial losses year after year - more than $50,000 to date, and a further $50,000 projected this year alone.
“With the Captain Cook Highway closure impacting visitor access from Cairns on event day, we had hoped the economic benefit from increased riders would outweigh the disruption.
“But with fewer riders each year, this is no longer sustainable or justifiable,” he said.
But Run Port Douglas is expected to have more than 1500 runners on Saturday, which is “far exceeding even our most optimistic expectations”.
“Run Port Douglas is the future,” he said.
“The energy, excitement, and growth potential of this event is enormous.”
For details go to portdouglasgranfondo.com.au.
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