Subaru Cycle Noosa events were once again received with overwhelming support from participants on Sunday 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.
The annual Subaru Cycle Noosa races have been an enormous success with cycling enthusiasts turning up in large numbers for both events.
The riders set out from Noosa Parade at 6am 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.
Smiling for Smiddy and the Amy Gillett Foundation were on board as the official charities of the 2014 festival.
Smiling for Smiddy raises funds towards research into the 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 2014 Subaru Cycle Noosa.
“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,” said Anderson, who took on the 160km event on the day. “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.”
Anderson has been part of the 2014 Noosa Smiddy Challenge, which comprises of 600km in four days, and aligns with the Noosa Ultimate Sports Fest, which is the final stage of the tour.
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,” said Granger. “I had a great day out there and love supporting this annual event in Noosa.”
