Noosa played host to cycling legend Phil Anderson

Subaru Cycle Noosa events were once again received with overwhelming support from participants this morning in both the 160km and 85km rides. Both events started and finished in Noosa winding their way through spectacular landscape before making their way back to the finish along the stunning coastline.

Riders made their way through the hinterland with the sun warming things up as they wound their way down to Bli Bli on eloquent roads with scenic views – all participants commenting that it was well worth the pedal power.



Photo Credit:  Eyes Wide Open IMAGES | Barry Alsop


The annual Subaru Cycle Noosa races have been an enormous success with cycling enthusiasts turning up in large numbers for both events.

Stuart Wilkins and Liz Fancutt were the first riders to go under the finish arch in today’s 160km event.

The 160km riders set out from Noosa Parade at 6.00am heading west and taking in the hinterland townships of Pomona, Cooroy and Eumundi before facing some challenging accents. Nevertheless, the gut wrenching climbs were rewarded with views of the North Shore and Fraser Island down to the base of the coastline.

Brian O’Connell and Mandy Newman were the 85km riders home in the 85km event which started at the Noosa Civic Shopping Centre at Noosaville and got underway at 8:05am.

After leaving Eumundi the ride headed south towards Yandina through the undulating and picturesque farmland to Bli Bli before finally hitting the ocean and signalling the stretch for home along the coast through Marcoola and over the last major climb at Coolum. The last stretch is flat to undulating but for some it feels like mountains with tiring legs. It was then a quick detour around the back of Noosa to the finish on Noosa Parade, where food, refreshments, entertainment and relieving massage awaited the beat riders.

Smiling for Smiddy and the Amy Gillett Foundation are on board as the official charities of the 2014 festival.

Smiling for Smiddy raises funds towards research into our most common men’s and women’s cancers. Established in memory of Adam Smiddy who lost his battle against melanoma aged just 26, Smiling for Smiddy challenges hundreds of cyclists and triathletes each year to make their mark against this devastating disease.

The Amy Gillett Foundation is a charity with one purpose – reducing the incidence of death and injury of bike riders.

The Foundation was born out of tragedy, the death of Amy Gillett, who was hit by an out of control motorist whilst cycling with her National Team mates in Germany in 2005.

Australian Cycling Legend, 13-time Tour De France rider and Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Phil Anderson, was riding for Smiling for Smiddy in the Subaru Cycle Noosa today.

“It was a great day out there and I really enjoy being involved in this event and supporting such a worthy cause. I’ll be back. Maybe I will sign up for Noosa Tri,” Anderson said.

Anderson has been part of the 2014 Noosa Smiddy Challenge, which comprises of 600km in four days, aligns with the Noosa Ultimate Sports Fest which is the final stage of the tour.

Anderson took on the demanding 160km event today.

“It was a good ride, it was friendly and there were a lot of guys out there who seemed pretty intent on doing their best,” said Anderson.

Ironman specialist, Belinda Granger, was another notable athlete amongst the field of 160km cycling enthusiasts this morning.

“I tried to take in the scenery as much as I could out there today and remind myself that this is where we live, it’s simply paradise.”

“I had a great day out there and love supporting this annual event in Noosa,” said Granger.

The 85km finishers were not far behind, their course varied from the 160km ride. The lead group maintained a hot pace, full of purpose and produced another sprint to the finish line.

The events attracted a huge range of entrants from locals to interstate competitors across both distances.

For results and event information visit www.noosaultimatesportsfest.com.au.