Media Release - Century Cycle Attracts Record Numbers

The Noosa Century Rides were again received with overwhelming approval from participants this morning in both the 160km and 100km rides. Both events started and finished in Noosa winding their way through some spectacular landscape before making their way back to the finish along the stunning Coast Road.

While they were weary as they crossed the line all agreed it was by no means easy but certainly spectacular and worth it.

Despite the cool start to the morning as riders made their way through the Hinterland the sun eventually warmed things up as they wound their way down to Bli Bli.

In just its second year the Noosa Century Rides have been an enormous success with cycling enthusiasts turning up in large numbers for both events this morning.

160km riders set out from Noosa Parade at 6.00am heading west and taking in the hinterland townships of Pomona, Cooroy and Eumundi before facing some challenging accents. However, the gut wrenching climbs were rewarded with
views of the North Shore and Fraser Island down to the base of the coast line.

The 100km riders started at the Noosa Civic Shopping Centre at Noosaville and got underway at 7.45am.

After leaving Eumundi the ride headed south towards Yandina through the undulating and picturesque farmland to Bli Bli before finally hitting the ocean and signalling the stretch for home along the coast through Marcoola and over the last major climb at Coolum. The last stretch is flat to undulating but for some feel like mountains with tiring legs. It was then a quick detour around the back of Noosa to the finish on Noosa Parade, where food, refreshments, entertainment and relieving massage awaited the weary riders.

Having taken out second place in her age category in the Noosa Blue 2km Swim yesterday, Susie O'Neill backed up to complete the 160km cycle with husband Cliff.

"I had a really good ride, I ran out of energy a little bit at the end, it was really a great course although a few hills, especially that one at the end.

Susie's time was very impressive finishing just 20 minutes behind the leaders.

Although this was a participation event, for the more experienced cyclists keen to test their legs a group of 40 hit the final kilometers along Noosa Parade at speed.

In his first appearance in this event it was Buderim's Sam Stow who claimed line honours.

The self confessed cycling enthusiast said he's not a professional just enjoys road riding and mountain biking, making the effort even more impressive.

"I like a lot of road riding and mountain biking, I'm just cycling mainly at the moment and really enjoying it. I do the Queensland open races when they're around.

"I did it (the 160km course) last weekend for a practice run with a friend for a bit of a laugh.

"I really like hills so enjoyed the course with a few undulations in there.

"Everyone had a good time out there and it was a great atmosphere," said
Stow.

The 100km finishers were not far behind, their course slightly different to the 160km. The lead group a lot smaller but zs full of purpose and produced another sprint to the line.

The events attracted a huge range of entrants from locals to interstate competitors with nearly 1400 taking up the challenge.

An incident free event largely due to the enormous planning and safety measures implemented in a joint effort by event organiser, USM EVENTS, Queensland Police Service and over 400 volunteers and traffic controllers.

Race Director, Nathan Bassett, said it was very reassuring seeing motorists and cyclists share the road during today's ride.

"Drivers and cyclists were very courteous and tolerant of one another. This is precisely the sort of etiquette and mutual respect we hope to see cultivated more and more on Australian roads," said Bassett.

Equally all competitors were full of praise for the Police and outstanding volunteers on the course.

Local iron distance athletes Belinda and Justin Granger took the chance to be part of the 160km event as part of their preparation for the upcoming inaugural Cairns Airport Challenge Cairns in two weeks.

I did the Half last year but it was a bit close to Cairns this year. I would have done a long ride anyway today, the boys took it a bit easy on me," said Granger post race.

"The roads were a little wet to start with but it was stunning.

"I knew that entire route inside out but never done it in one go before.

"I tell you what it was fantastic to have the Police out there controlling the roads, I never felt threatened by traffic or cars at any stage.

"I must admit thought my favourite part was when the hills were done and we hit David Low Way coming home, the pace picked up the sun was out and it was magic," she added.

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