Opperman Gran Fondo

TASMANIA'S VERY OWN GRAN FONDO

Discover the hidden treasures of Launceston

Staged in one of Australia’s most scenic and exhilarating cycling locations of Launceston Tasmania, the second annual Opperman Gran Fondo is BACK for 2012!

A timed, mass participation road ride - 'Gran Fondo' style, including the exhilarating Holwell Hill King and Queen of the Mountain.

• Saturday 1st December 2012, Launceston, TASMANIA
• 160km and 110km course options
• Challenging, scenic and exhilarating course! Click Here for a sneak peak at part of the scenic course. 
• Open to ALL cycling enthusiasts   
• Entries OPEN ONLINE NOW

Not from Tasmania? Why not make a weekend of it and indulge in Tasmania’s hospitality - quiet country roads, natural paradise, tranquility, wineries and more! 

WHAT MAKES TASMANIA 'THE' CYCLING DESTINATION OF AUSTRALIA?

Tasmania is home to so many of Australia’s top professional cyclists who are often seen returning home yearly for the idyllic cycling terrain. Come and ride their trails - there's something in the bitumen!

Tasmania was listed in the top 10 best cycling routes in the Lonely Planet Guide 2010:

• Pockets of wilderness, but so much untouched and untamed Cycling land.
• Hill climbs queuing one after the other – you will notice them but not as much as the scenery!

The Tasmanian Government supports Cycling:

• “Cycling is emerging and developing recreational activities that showcases the varying Tasmanian landscapes and cycling roads. Some say it’s the new golf by way of socialising and networking in a stimulating physical activity” Alan Rider – Events Tasmania  

WHY REGISTER FOR THE OPPERMAN GRAN FONDO 2012?

• Two course options: 160km or 110km
• A fully timed, mass participation ride - 'Gran Fondo' style
• The exhilarating Holwell Hill King and Queen of the Mountain – prizes for each category.
• FREE training program
• Open to ALL cycling abilities with staggered starting times
• Starting and finishing in Launceston – a hidden treasure of Tasmania
• Challenging, Scenic and Exhilarating course that travels through the Tamar Valley, famous for its’ wine and culinary delights, through Beaconsfield and the rolling hills towards Frankford before passing through the historic region of Evandale.
• On-course mechanical and medical support
• Well stocked refreshment stations 
• Optional official event cycling apparel – look the part in the latest cycling trends
• Opportunity to fundraise for the new Cancer Council Tasmania’s Patient Support Centre currently under construction in Launceston.

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2012?

• NEW 110km course option
• Cancer Council Tasmania comes on board as the event’s official event charity
• New 2012 Jersey and Bib-Knicks design 

• Click Here for the 2011 Opperman Gran Fondo course times and Howell Hill climb times.

• Click Here for post-event article wrap-up

THE COURSES: exhilarating - scenic - challenging

Commencing in Launceston, the courses travel through the Tamar Valley, famous for it wine and culinary delights, through Beaconsfield and the rolling hills towards Frankford before passing through the historic region of Evandale.

Participants receive on-course mechanical and medical support, well stocked aid stations and the opportunity to relax and view the Launceston Criterium later in the day.

All Opperman Gran Fondo participants will receive an electronic timing device. This will ensure that all cyclists complete the entire course, and enable the event to time cyclists over the climb towards Holwell and to present King and Queen of the Mountains prizes across age groups.

VIEW COURSE MAPS

The History of GRAN FONDO and Sir HUBERT OPPERMAN

Gran Fondo is Italian for “Big Ride”. Typically Gran Fondos are long distance, mass participation cycling events that have grown in popularity from Italy. Participation is open to recreational and competitive cyclists with a wide range of abilities.

Sir Hubert Opperman is heralded as the pioneer of Australian cycling’s entry into European and International cycling competition. During his cycling career he was recognised as the world’s greatest endurance cyclist by defeating the cream of European endurance riders in the 1931 Paris-Brest-Paris and breaking all previous records.

World War II prematurely ended Sir Hubert’s competitive cycling career when he felt obligated to forego his racing ambitions in preference to contributing to Australia’s war efforts. For 5 years he served in the RAAF progressing to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. After the war he represented the Liberal party as the member for Corio which he held for 17 years. Following this Sir Hubert continued as a diplomat through his appointment as the High Commissioner for Malta.

The Opperman Gran Fondo event is named in his honour to recognise his contribution to Australian cycling and the community.