FAQ'S for the 2022 sunbuild top end gran fondo.
Do you have an Event Booklet?
What time do events start?
6:00am - 145km Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo Start
6:15am - 110km Inpex Top End Tonne Start
6:40am - 52km Darwin Family Law Half Fondo Start
7:00am - 22km NTRS Top End Short Fondo Start
7:00am to 8:00am - City of Darwin Family Ride
What kind of bike can I ride?
Riders can choose from a selection of bikes to ride in the event, including road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, hybrid bikes and cross bikes.
Handcycles are permitted when required due to a disability.
Tandem riders are allowed to enter the event with only one entry required for the two riders of the tandem bicycle. Tandems are not required to have a visually- or otherwise-impaired stoker (second rider) but can also be ridden in this event by two able-bodied participants. Tandem entrants who purchase one entry will be treated as one participant for all merchandise and entry inclusion purposes.
The following bikes are not permitted: recumbents, time trial bikes or bikes with aero bars.
Who can enter?
Anyone can enter, regardless of age, ability or how new your bike is. A Fondo is not a race, it’s a ride for all levels. The only proviso is that your bike is road worthy and passes the checks by our mechanic. But it can be a road, mountain, hybrid, fixed wheel, tandem or bmx, the choice is yours.
All participants under 16 years old must be accompanied in the same event by a parent or guardian who is also registered to ride in the event.
Participants in the 22km NTRS Short Fondo must be at least 9 years old on the event day.
Participants in the 52km Darwin Family Law Half Fondo must be at least 15 years old on the event day.
Participants in the 110km Inpex Tonne and the 145km Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo must be at least 18 years old on the event day.
How much does it cost to enter in 2023?
Event Costs
145km Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo - $170.00 (includes event jersey, first 100 guaranteed on event day)
110km HInpex Top End Tonne - $140.00 (includes event jersey, first 100 guaranteed on event day)
52km Darwin Family Law Top End Half Fondo - $70.00
22km NTRS Top End Short Fondo - $40.00
City of Darwin Family Ride - FREE
Fulgaz Virtual Fondo - FREE
How do I buy merchandise?
When you register online, you will be given the opportunity to purchase a jersey. If you have already registered and wish to purchase a jersey, you can do that through the same entry portal!
The official jersey is included in the 145km and 109km rides for the first 100 entrants, after which additional jerseys for those entrants will be produced after the event.
Who gets a Jersey?
The first 100 entrants in both the 145km and 110km events will receive a jersey with their entry fee guaranteed on event day. Additional entries in those events will have their jerseys ordered after the event and receive them when production is complete. All other participants can purchase a jersey for $99 (RRP $149) during the entry process until stock is exhausted.
What events are there on offer?
There are 6 events to choose from (4 Fondo distances, a Family Ride and a virtual event), more information is available here.
Who organises the Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo?
The event is owned by Darwin Cycling Club. Each year a committee is assembled to organise the event, and in 2023 the event will be delivered with support from AusCycling.
Are there aid stations out on course?
Yes, there will be aid stations for all distances over and including the 52km.
What happens if I enter, but can’t ride?
Refunds will be processed for medical or compassionate reasons on a case-by-case basis.
When is the next edition of the Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo?
The 2023 Sunbuild Top End Gran Fondo will be held on Sunday, July 2.
What's the Virtual Ride?
A virtual event will be hosted on FulGaz in 2023. More info available here: https://fulgaz.com/event/top-end-gran-fondo-on-fulgaz/
When do registrations close?
Online Registrations will close at 3pm on Saturday, July 1.
Where can I collect my rider's pack?
Registration for the 2023 event will be at the Darwin Waterfront from 10am - 4pm on Saturday, July 1.
What is available at the finish line?
You’re encouraged to stick around the finish and enjoy the festival atmosphere. There will be music, presentations and of course cheer on other competitors as they finish their ride.
Information on meal options will be made available closer to the event date.
Do children need to be accompanied by an adult?
Yes, it is a requirement of entry that children 16 and under be accompanied by an adult in their event on the event day.