Riders put final touches on preparations ahead of massive Port Douglas Gran Fondo festival
FONDO FESTIVAL
Close to 1000 riders are putting the final touches on their preparations ahead of the highly anticipated Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival in the Douglas Shire this weekend.
The festival is a positive for the region and stands to inject around $2M into the Douglas economy having attracted a swathe of interstate and local entries.
Participants will cruise along the Captain Cook Highway on Sunday morning between Palm Cove and Port Douglas to race the clock in either the 136km or 100km Gran Fondo events, or the 48km Medio Fondo ride.
A criterium, sprint and a family ride – which is free, but entry is dependent on registration, will be also held over the weekend.
“We’ve had a heap of entries from people based in the Douglas and Cairns local shires, while we’re also set to welcome a big number of entrants who are coming from across the country as well.”
The Captain Cook highway between Palm Cove and Port Douglas will be closed between 6am – 1.30pm while the event is taking place.
“We definitely acknowledge, respect and fully understand that the road closure will impact some people on the Sunday and we apologise for that,” Mr Stapleton said.
“We just ask that you kindly be patient throughout the road closure.
“The bigger picture is an event like this has so many benefits for the Douglas Shire, they are designed to bring new people into our region to spend money and to help the local economy and that can only be a good thing.”
For more information visit portdouglasgranfondo.com.au