Sport
3 June, 2022
Iconic Port Douglas Ride Spurs Pilot To Beat Cancer
TRINITY Beach pilot Alex Hall will be on the tail end of her treatment for breast cancer when she cycles on the iconic Great Barrier Reef Drive in the Port Douglas Gran Fondo on September 11.
The 35-year-old cycling and mountain biking enthusiast has raced on the Great Barrier Reef Drive five times and is looking forward to enjoying the ride in a safe, non-competitive environment.
“I’m going through chemo now and will be five months into my six-month treatment when I ride in the Port Douglas Gran Fondo, but the training has saved my mental health,” Ms Hall said.
“I’m slow and puffed when I’m riding, but getting fresh air and sunshine is great. It is a change from training to increase my speed to just enjoying myself.
“The Great Barrier Reef Drive is the most beautiful road to ride on with the right amount of undulations to challenge you and stunning views north to Cape Tribulation and south to False Cape on a clear day.”
Ms Hall’s husband, pilot Shane D’Alcorn, and their 14-month-old daughter Ava will join her for the entire weekend of the inaugural Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival on September 9-11.
“We are looking forward to a relaxing weekend in Port Douglas with time to watch the criterium races, enjoy drinks and dinner and visit the wildlife parks,” Ms Hall said.
Connect Sport Australia Managing Director Bade Stapleton said Ms Hall was one of the first to register for the Port Douglas Gran Fondo, and cycling enthusiasts have just over a week to take advantage of early-bird pricing, which would end on Friday, June 10.
“The Great Barrier Reef Drive will be closed for half a day on Sunday, September 11, with timed 136km and 100km return Gran Fondo rides from Port Douglas to Palm Cove and a 48km one-way leisurely Medio Fondo ride from Palm Cove to Port Douglas,” Mr Stapleton said.
“The Festival kicks off on Saturday with The Cairns Post Criterium, a 2.2km lap circuit starting and finishing outside the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, which will be followed by the Choo Choos Free Family Ride.
“Sunrise sports presenter Mark Beretta will MC the Hemingway’s Brewery sprint race under lights along the 250m Wharf Street straight while local bands play on Saturday night. A sponsors’ expo and official launch also will be among the festivities.”
Registrations can be made at www.portdouglasgranfondo.com.au, which also has accommodation and itinerary options suitable for cyclists and their families to stay longer for a holiday
