IRONMAN, in partnership with Tourism & Events Queensland and Sunshine Coast Regional Council, has announced the expansion of the Velothon event brand into the southern hemisphere with the launch of the inaugural Velothon Sunshine Coast.
A three day mass participation cycling event in and around the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Velothon Sunshine Coast will be held from 13-16 July 2017.
With Velothons now well established in Berlin (15,000 riders), Wales (15,000 riders) and Stockholm (4,500 riders), the Velothon brand is ready to land on Australian shores.
“We couldn’t be more excited about bringing another world class event to the Sunshine Coast in what will be a first for the Southern Hemisphere,” said IRONMAN Oceania Managing Director Dave Beeche.
Velothon Sunshine Coast is billed as a total immersion cycling experience taking place during the month of July, when the eyes of the world are on cycling. The event is delivered by IRONMAN Oceania in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
“We wanted to create the ultimate winter cycling experience on and off the bike that will satisfy every cycling need,” continued Dave Beeche at IRONMAN. “The essence of the concept is to get friends or family together for a cycling holiday, ride their bike every day in a great climate, through stunning countryside, and then sit back and relax in the event hub on Mooloolaba waterfront, watching Tour highlights and reminiscing about the days riding.”
Riders will be based in the event hub in Mooloolaba, unpack their gear once at this location, and begin each day’s stage from There. Each day’s course will take in a different part of the Sunshine Coast’s natural environment.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Kate Jones said the Velothon Sunshine Coast would deliver a unique cycling tourism experience for Queensland drawing thousands of athletes from across Australia and the world. “With its incredible events success and stunning locations, the Sunshine Coast is just the place to host the Velothon for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere.”
She continued, “This event will tap into the massive global cycling movement, offering thousands of athletes an amazing opportunity to compete and enjoy a Queensland holiday. By partnering with the strong Velothon brand, Tourism and Events Queensland is delivering on its commitment to secure events which deliver maximum benefits for the regions across the state.”
Mayor Mark Jamieson said it’s significant that the Velothon event is being staged for the first time in Australia – on the Sunshine Coast. “Being chosen as the first area in Australia to host this new event is a testament to the region’s ability to stage major events,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“This prestige cycling event is anticipated to generate an economic contribution of AU$3.5 million for the local economy and also provide invaluable exposure for the whole region. Key to securing in-principle support to stage the event is the requirement that the event organiser host comprehensive information sessions with communities whose areas will potentially feature in the course.
“In the coming months we will work closely with event organiser to ensure that our residents are aware of the event course and supportive of the event as a whole.”
Velothon Sunshine Coast will offer a three day and one day road cycling event and includes:
- 3 Day Velo ride from Friday to Sunday with each day being between 90km and 155km.
- 1 Day Velo ride on the Sunday with two distance options from 95km and 155km
- Participants can also enter as a team of four, in the three day ride, with the three best times combining for their stage finish time.
- Velo Clubhouse event hub on the Mooloolaba waterfront providing highlights of the Tour.
- Cycling sports expo
The 2017 Velothon Sunshine Coast is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events across the State.
A Wanda Sports Holdings company, IRONMAN operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon Series, 5150 Triathlon Series, Iron Girl, IRONKIDS, six of nine International Triathlon Union World Triathlon Series races, road cycling events including the UCI Velothon Majors Series, mountain bike races, premier marathons and other multisport races.
IRONMAN’s events, together with all other Wanda Sports Holdings events, provide more than 680,000 participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s extensive offerings. The iconic IRONMAN series of events is billed as the largest participation sports platform in the world. Since the inception of the IRONMAN brand in 1978, beginning as a single race, IRONMAN has grown to encompass more than 260 events across 42 countries.
www.velothonsunshinecoast.com
www.ironman.com
