Nat Bromhead
The maiden Mudgee Classic Gran Fondo was finally held over the weekend, with more than 2000 riders descending upon the jewel of the mid west for the debut event.
Delayed a year due to COVID, the event was certainly worth the wait, with riders enjoying perfect weather, warm country hospitality and arguably some of the state’s best regional cycling.
The Mudgee Classic is Bicycling Australia’s 4th Gran Fondo event sitting alongside the Bowral, Noosa and Clare Classics. Thanking participants, partners and sponsors, event organiser James Yaffa hinted about the launch of a fifth major Gran Fondo cycling event with news expected to be announced soon.
Thanking the Mid Western Regional Council and Destination New South Wales for their ongoing support, Mr Yaffa said seeing the Mudgee Classic finally take place was a very exciting moment.
“Last year was difficult for many people. To finally be here, with so many cyclists in this wonderful town, is truly special,” he said.
“Thank you to the riders who have stuck with us through this past year and are here to ride and enjoy the Mudgee Classic.”
From Amateurs To Pros
Strictly a ride and not a race, the event attracted all levels of riders – from 35km Social Classic participants through to some of the biggest names of the domestic scene who rode the 170km Maxi Classic.
Chris Miller of Nero Continental was among a select group of 170km Maxi Classic riders to finish in just over four and a half hours, an average speed of 36.5km/h.
“The first 100k out in that valley were just beautiful,” he said.
“The roads were challenging, a few water bottles did go missing, but once we hit that climb (the legendary Growee Gulph) – it was really nice. It was fun coming back in with a tailwind. 170k’s out here is never easy but I really enjoyed it.”
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