Everything you need to know about the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

This year, the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships will be staged in Australia for just the second time, on one of the world’s most spectacular and iconic roads.

It’s your chance to compete on the global stage in the breathtaking Great Ocean Road region.

Here’s what you should know about the upcoming World Championships.

What is it?

The UCI Gran Fondo World Championships is the pinnacle road cycling event for masters and amateurs.

Riders from across the world will represent their nation in up to three events: a road race (also known as the ‘gran fondo’), time trial, and a team relay criterium.

The winner in each age category will receive the rainbow jersey of world champion.

For some, it’s an epic cycling challenge. For others, it’s a shot at the ultimate title. This will be the greatest ride of your life.

Represent your nation at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. (SWpix.com)

Where and when is it?

The 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships will be held in the spectacular Great Ocean Road region of Victoria, Australia.

They will run from Thursday, October 16 to Sunday, October 19.

The time trial and road race will be based in the coastal town of Lorne, about two hours’ south-west of Melbourne.

The criterium will take place in the city of Geelong, just one hour south of Melbourne.

The Great Ocean Road is a wonderland of big nature: tall cliffs, ancient rainforests and sweeping coastlines, including golden beaches and the iconic 12 Apostles.

It’s one of the world’s most scenic drives, so plan your visit early.

Riding along the beautiful Great Ocean Road. (Aaron Collins)

The courses

Road Race

Starting and finishing in Lorne, the 131km road race starts uphill, climbing up Benwerrin (10km, 416m).

There’s a second climb to Mount Sabine (22km, 519m – but it goes up in stages) before the descent onto the famous Great Ocean Road, where riders will enjoy incredible views all the way to the finish.

It’s a challenging race on fully closed roads along breathtaking coastline.

Time Trial

The 23km time trial is an out-and-back course from Lorne to the iconic Memorial Arch, which was built to honour the WW1 soldiers who built the Great Ocean Road almost 100 years ago. It’s an exciting course, featuring a mixture of challenging climbs, tight turns and fast flat stretches – and some of the best coastal views in the world..

Team Relay Criterium

Riders will navigate the 1.92km anti-clockwise course at Eastern Park in Geelong, where every twist and turn will test their skills against the backdrop of lush gardens and panoramic views of the Geelong waterfront – home of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

How to qualify

To qualify for the World Championships, you need to finish in the top 25% of your age category at a UCI Gran Fondo World Series race.

There are 29 qualifying races on the calendar, starting last August in Italy and continuing up to this September in Uruguay. Find an event near you.

Are there any recreational rides?

If you don’t qualify for or aren’t interested in the World Championships, there are two recreational rides you can participate in:

122km Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo: This includes the same stunning Surf Coast Hinterland climbs featured in the World Championship Road Race and finishes along 45km of the fully closed Great Ocean Road.

45km Amy’s Medio Fondo: This route takes you along the Great Ocean Road, starting in the picturesque town Apollo Bay and ending in Lorne.

14km Amy's Family Fondo: An out-and-back loop from Lorne to Cumberland River, completely closed to traffic for 50 minutes so you and the kids can ride stress-free.

The recreational rides are named in honour of Amy Gillett, an elite cyclist who tragically lost her life while training with the Australian Cycling Team in Germany. The annual event highlights the roads that Amy trained on, including Australia’s most breathtaking coastal road, the Great Ocean Road.

There's a ride for everyone at these World Championships. (Con Chronis)

How to get there

Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the Great Ocean Road region. It’s just outside Geelong and less than 80 minutes’ drive from Lorne.

You could also fly into Melbourne Airport, which is two hours’ drive from Lorne.

Official travel partners Mummu Cycling have crafted travel packages to suit every rider, ranging from fully escorted tours to helping you with flights, airport transfers and accommodation.

Find a travel package that meets your needs. Accommodation is sure to book out quickly, so secure your spot now.

How to make the most of your visit

Extend your stay in Lorne, Geelong or any of the towns perched along the Great Ocean Road.

Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the beach, enjoy stunning ocean views, or appreciate the abundant wildlife and tranquility of a secluded cottage in the hinterland.

Must-do experiences include:

• Drive the Great Ocean Road by car – or take a breathtaking flight by helicopter
• Savour must-try culinary gems: taste the Great Ocean Road
• Visiting a local winery to sample what the finest growers have planted, picked and perfected
• Enjoy live music on a heritage train aboard the Blues Train
• Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay

Plan your trip today and explore all the Great Ocean Road region has to offer!