The Sportive Breaks Guide to the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Lorne
From October 16th to 19th, 2025 the eyes of the amateur cycling world will turn to Lorne, Victoria. Set to host the prestigious UCI Gran Fondo World Championships against the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Ocean Road and lush Otway Ranges. With fierce competition across the age groups for the coveted rainbow jersey this is set to be an epic event.
Whether you’ve qualified to race or you’re planning to soak up the atmosphere and explore the region by bike, understanding the routes is key. While we’re busy planning routes for travellers joining us on packages, we want to share our knowledge about the championship courses in Lorne and area highlights you wont want to miss!
The Main Event: UCI Grand Fondo World Championship Routes in Lorne
Qualified riders will battle it out on three distinct courses starting and finished in the charming coastal town of Lorne. These routes will both expose riders to the challenging terrain and stunning beauty of the region.
The Individual Time Trial (ITT)
Race Date: Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Distance: 22.5km
Elevation Gain: ~393m
Route Description: An out-and-back course heading east from Lorne along the Great Ocean Road towards the iconic Memorial Arch at Eastern View.
A note from Sportive Breaks: This isn’t your typical flat TT. Be ready for a demanding mix of sharp climbs and be ready to descend into corners at speed. There are two key climbs taking you up from 4.5km to 7.1km and 13.7km to 15.7km – both have undulations throughout as does the course. Be prepared to avoid sapping your legs before it counts!
The Criterium (Team Relay)
Race Date: Friday, October 17th, 2025
Distance: 1.92km circuit.
Elevation Gain: ~26m elevation gain & loss per lap.
Route Description: The circuit runs anti-clockwise around Eastern Park, each twist and turn will test you against the backdrop of lush gardens and panoramic views of Corio Bay.
A note from Sportive Breaks: As with most criteriums positioning on that bell lap is going to be crucial for a good placement. Your final turn comes after a gradual rise and is a sharp left-hander leaving you about 600m from the finish line, make sure you fight for position!
The Gran Fondo
Race Date: Sunday, October 19th, 2025
Distance: 131.1km
Elevation Gain: ~1925m
Two Key Climbs:
Benwerring Climb: You’ll take this on early looking at a 10km climb to gain about 416m elevation.
Mount Sabine Climb: The Longest climb takes you into the heart of the Otways covering 22km and taking you up 519m of elevation.
Route Description: On fully closed roads route is a true championship course forcing riders to push their limits on demanding climbs through the Otway rain forest before a rewarding descent and final stretch along the Great Ocean Road. The combination of climbs and scenery will make this a Gran Fondo route to remember.
A note from Sportive Breaks: We’re expecting across age groups to see breaks on the first climb available, be ready to race hard from the start gun and hold on. If you’re a climber you need to be at the front early to take full advantage and for everyone else make sure you find the right wheel to sit on pull you to the finish.
Where you need to ride: Explore Lorne’s best Cycling Routes.
Lorne and the surrounding Great Ocean Road region are a cyclist’s paradise offering you much more than just the championship courses. Included with our packages we’ll be there with guests leading guided rides to recon the course and experience some of these rides.
Coastal Cruising on The Great Ocean Road:
- Lorne to Apollo Bay (Return or One Way): A classic stretch offering rolling terrain and constant ocean views. Head out towards Cape Patton or push further to Apollo Bay for a longer ride. Approx 45 km one way.
- Lorne to Aireys Inlet (Return): Ride east towards the Split Point Lighthouse, passing the Memorial Arch (part of the TT course). A shorter option with lovely coastal sections. Approx 20 km one way.
Riding the Otways:
- Lorne – Deans Marsh Loop: Similar in character to the Gran Fondo course, this popular loop (approx 120 km, 1800+ m elevation) takes you up the main climb out of Lorne towards Deans Marsh, through rolling farmland, and back via the thrilling descent to Skenes Creek and the Great Ocean Road. A fantastic training ride.
- Explore the Climbs: Test your legs on sections of the official course climbs like Benwerrin or venture onto other quiet roads climbing into the lush Otway Ranges National Park.
- Gravel Adventures: The Otways boast an extensive network of gravel roads. Routes like the “Gravel Lorne loop” (approx 55 km, 1400+ m elevation) or exploring around the nearby town of Forrest offer a different kind of challenge amidst stunning forest scenery.
Shorter & Family Rides:
- Lorne to Cumberland River (Return): A gentle, mostly flat 14km out-and-back ride along the Great Ocean Road, perfect for a relaxed spin or families.
Tips for Riding Around Lorne
- Be ready for Hills: This region is defined by coastal cliffs and the Otway Ranges you’ll find flat roads are the exception, not the rule!
- Check the Weather: Coastal Victorian weather can change rapidly. Pack layers, including wind and rain protection, even if the forecast looks good.
- Road Safety: While the Championship routes will be closed for the races, be aware of traffic when riding on other days, especially on the Great Ocean Road which can be busy and see caravans and campervans passing. Ride predictably and stay visible as mentioned by Great Ocean Road Cycling (GORC) who advocate for safe riding in the area.
- Get that final tune up: Ensure your bike is in good condition, particularly brakes and gears, given the hilly terrain. If you’re not as strong on sustained climbs we’d recommend equipping your bike with lower gearing.
You’re ready for Lorne! See you there.
The 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Lorne promises to be an incredible event, showcasing challenging routes and unparalleled scenery. Whether you’re chasing a rainbow jersey on the Gran Fondo course, testing yourself against the clock in the TT, or simply exploring the cycling offered by the Great Ocean Road and Otway Ranges, this corner of Australia offers an incredible experience for cyclists and spectators.
Sportive Breaks have supported Team Australia at the past two UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. We’re thrilled to offer comprehensive travel packages for an event in our backyard at the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Lorne. Find out more about our packages that include accommodation, handling of logistics, local staff support and more.
