Queensland’s cycling spotlight turns to Brisbane this weekend as the Tour de Brisbane returns with an expanded program and a truly iconic new finale. As the second Australian qualifier event of the season, the event plays a key role on the international calendar, combining world championship qualification, continental titles and one of Australia’s most distinctive urban courses.
A major addition to this year’s program is the 18km individual time trial. The race also doubles as the Oceania Continental Time Trial Championship.
Sunday’s headline event remains the 110km Gran Fondo, a ride that has rapidly built a reputation as one of the most unique mass participation races in the series. This year’s edition introduces a brand‑new finish on the Story Bridge.
The Gran Fondo course itself is defined by constant changes of scenery, flowing through urban streets, riverside sections and major river crossings, giving riders a rare chance to experience Brisbane from a fully closed‑road perspective. The key selection point of the day, however, comes well before the finale with the ascent of Mount Coot‑tha.
At just over 2 kilometres in length with an average gradient of 9%, Mount Coot‑tha is short, steep and decisive. Crested after approximately 41 kilometres, the climb is expected to split the peloton early.
A total of 2450 riders have registered for the Gran Fondo alone, representing 19 different countries, while several thousand additional participants will take part across the shorter distances throughout the weekend.
