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RIDER INFORMATION / FAQs

We answer some commonly asked questions below.
For further enquiries, please email info@bowralclassic.com.au.

Event Date

The next edition of the Bowral Classic will be held on the weekend of 19-20 October, 2024.

Sunday, 20 October 2024: Gran Fondo road cycling event starting on Bong Bong St, Bowral and finishing at Loseby Park, Bowral.

REGISTRATIONS OPENING SOON. Register your interest to receive the launch offer.

Gran Fondo registration kit collection & Merchandise swaps

Registration Kits

If you registered on or before 1 September, 2024 and paid for postage, your rider kit including any ordered merchandise, will be mailed to your nominated address in mid-September.

If you opted to collect your registration kit, or registered after 1 September, 2024 you can collect your registration kit and any ordered merchandise on Saturday 19 October 11:30am– 5:00pm or Sunday 20 October 5:30am – 7:30am at the Event Village (Loseby Park, Bowral).

Merchandise Swaps

If there is a problem with your registration kit, or you wish to transfer ride categories, please come to the Event Village on Saturday (11:30am– 5:00pm) or Sunday morning (5:30am – 7:30am).

If you wish to swap your jersey for a different size, please bring your jersey in its original packaging to the Event Village on Saturday (11:30am–5:00pm). Please note: jersey sizes are limited and we may not be able to accommodate all sizing requests.

The Crit

Unfortunately The Crit will not be proceeding in 2024.

Please register your interest to be kept up to date with future Criterium events – REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

What is included in your registration kit?

The following will be included in your registration kit:

  • A Seat Post Sticker with rider identification number and timing chip.
    Note: Do not attach prior to transporting the bike on the exterior of a vehicle. High-speed travel is likely to cause the sticker to fray and tear, which may make it unusable.
  • A Rider Front Plate, including your seat post number and timing chip  Please attach this to your bike’s front plate with the cable ties included in your registration kit. It is forbidden to alter, cut or fold your stickers
  • A wristband for rider identification – must be worn on the event day
  • Maps of the course and Start Line
  • Drink token for a free beer, wine or cider for redemption in the Event Village
  • Any merchandise you have ordered (Excluding Black Sheep merchandise which will be delivered separately)

Missing/damaged registration assets

If you are missing or have a damaged Seat Post Sticker, Rider Wristband, or Front Plate & cable ties, please visit the Registration Tent on the event weekend and we will issue you a replacement.

Gran Fondo Registration Tent

Location:
Event Village (Loseby Park, Bowral)
Opening hours: 
Saturday, 19 October 11:30am– 5:00pm
Sunday, 20 October 5:30am – 7:30am

Start Line & Start Times


SUNDAY, 20 October 2024
Gran Fondo Rides: 150km, 120km & 85km

Cheer on cyclists as they depart Bong Bong St, Bowral between 6:15am and 7:30am.

All riders will head off in 75 second intervals, and out to Centennial Rd towards Berrima.

ARRIVAL TIMES:

6.15am: Highlanders
6:30am departure

6.15am: 150KM Maxi Classic riders
6:35am departure

7:00am: 120KM Challenge Classic riders
7:15am departure

7.15am: 85KM Rouleurs Classic riders
8:00am departure

Loseby Park Event Village & Finish Line

The Bowral Classic Event Village at Loseby Park, Bowral is the adjacent to the Finish Line and the perfect place to hang out post-ride. Kick back and relax on our comfy bean bags, whilst enjoying live music from local artists and sampling the locally produced food, wine and beer.

Saturday, 19 October 2024 | 11:30am–5:00pm

Registration collection for riders who did not pay for postage or registered after 3 September, 2023.
Exhibitor stalls will be open along with a coffee van.

Sunday, 20 October 2024 | 10am–4pm

The village area will offer:

  Locally produced food, coffee, beer and wine
  Live music
  Cycling exhibitor stalls
  Merchandise for sale
  Children’s entertainment
  First Aid

Cancellations, Refunds & Category Transfers

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation requests must be emailed through to info@bowralclassic.com.au

Riders that purchase the Entry Cancellation Insurance at the time of registration will have their entry fee refunded in full. Insurance is not valid if added retrospectively after registering. Cancellation requests must be received at least 24 hours prior to the event day.

Postage and merchandise will not be refunded if already mailed out. No additional fees or costs associated with participating in the Bowral Classic are covered by the Event Cancellation Insurance, e.g. accommodation or travel costs. If the whole event is cancelled, e.g. due to COVID restrictions or weather, all riders will be covered under the Event Cancellation Policy.

For riders who do not purchase Entry Cancellation Insurance, cancellations that are received by 3 September will be refunded 50% of the entry fee. No refunds or deferrals will be offered for cancellations received after 1 September, 2024.

We respect and understand that from time to time some riders will be unable to participate due to illness, often at late notice. This is why we introduced entry cancellation insurance which enables riders to cancel up to 24 hours before the event.

Without cancellation insurance, The Classic Events do not offer refunds or credits, but we are sympathetic and understanding in these challenging times. If you are unable to participate due to illness we will offer you a transfer to our next available event, but not future events beyond that.

Your support goes towards the high operating costs of each event where suppliers’ fees & charges are typically paid prior to the event date. As such, we are not able to offer refunds as we want each and every event to be viable and enjoyable now and into the future.

We will consider transferring a registration to another person if a rider is injured and provides a medical certificate at least 7 days prior to the event. It is the rider’s responsibility to transfer the Rider Identification Sticker if the registration kit has already been mailed out.

Should the Event Organisers cancel the event due to adverse weather conditions, all riders will be given a 50% refund.

Should the Event Organisers cancel the event due to COVID, all riders have the option to defer their registration free of charge or receive a refund on their entry fee minus a $25 admin fee. Any merchandise purchased will not be refunded.

To update your registration (e.g. update your contact details or transfer your entry to another rider) please log in to Race Roster and access your Bowral Classic registration. To transfer courses or for other enquiries, please email info@bowralclassic.com.au.

PARKING

Limited street parking is available around the surrounding streets of Loseby Park.

Please note,  there will be road closures on the streets surrounding Loseby Park on Saturday 19 October from 8:30am – 6:00pm. These include Park Rd, Loseby St, Ascot St & Sheffield St.

Park Road will be Local Access Only on Sunday 20 October from 8:45am – 4:30pm.

Safety Briefing Videos

The Safety Briefing Video contains important event information relevant to your course. Please ensure you view your course briefing before the event day.

CLICK HERE to watch The Classics Safety Briefing Video.

Download Rider Guide

All the information you need for the event weekend has been compiled into the Rider Guide.

2024 Rider Guide will be released 3 weeks prior to event day.

CLICK HERE to download the 2023 Bowral Classic Rider Guide.

eBikes, TT Bars & other bike restrictions

eBikes will be permitted in all gran fondo events at the Bowral Classic, excluding the Highlanders group. The eBike option must be selected when registering for the event.

All eBikes must adhere to Australian eBike Standards. No modified eBikes will be allowed to participate on course. It is the riders responsibility to ensure their battery is charged and can last their chosen distance.

Aero/Time Trial Bars are not permitted.

Gran Fondo On Course Rest Stops

Subject to change.

Bundanoon Oval – FULL REST STOP (150 & 120km riders)
Erith St, Bundanoon
First riders:  8:00am

Last riders: 11:00am

› Food available: Water, electrolytes, muesli bars, fruit cake, bananas, lolly snakes, chips & vegemite sandwiches
› Services available: Toilets, first aid & mechanics

Fitzroy Falls Reservoir Activity Area – FULL REST STOP (Highlanders, 150, 120 & 85km riders)
Nowra Rd, Fitzroy Falls
First riders:  8:30am

Last riders: 1:00pm

› Food available: Water, electrolytes, muesli bars, fruit cake, bananas, lolly snakes, chips & vegemite sandwiches
› Services available: Toilets, first aid & mechanics

Glenquarry Peace Memorial Hall – HYDRATION STATION (150, 120 & 85km riders)
Tourist Rd, Glenquarry
First riders:  9:30am

Last riders: 3:00pm

› Food available: Water, electrolytes, bananas & lolly snakes
› Services available: Toilets

If you are driving on any of the roads which are being used for the event, please ensure that you take care and be watchful for cyclists.

Police will be patrolling the course throughout the day to ensure cyclists and motorists observe all road rules

Gran Fondo Cut-off Times

150km Maxi Classic Cut-Off Times:

  • 52KM / 9:55AM @Cnr Yarrawa St & Illawarra Hwy, Moss Vale (Hard Enforcement)Continue straight ahead on the Rouleurs course via left turn at Railway St and follow the GREEN arrows to Mt Broughton/Yarrawa Rd.
  • 71KM / 11:00AM @Rest Stop 1/Bundanoon Oval – Rest Stop closes 11:00am. After this time riders will need to load into the SAG Wagon for a jump ahead on course or return to the Event Village.
  • 101KM / 1:00PM @Rest Stop 2/Fitzroy Falls- Rest Stop closes 1:00pm. After this time riders will need to load into the SAG Wagon for a jump ahead on course or return to the Event Village.
  • 133KM / 3:00PM @Hydration Station/Glenquarry- Rest Stop closes 3:00pm. After this time riders will need to load into the SAG Wagon for a jump ahead on course or return to the Event Village.

120km Challenge Classic Cut-Off Times:

  • 20KM / 9:55AM @Cnr Yarrawa St & Illawarra Hwy, Moss Vale (Hard Enforcement)Continue straight ahead on the Rouleurs course via left turn at Railway St and follow the GREEN arrows to Mt Broughton/Yarrawa Rd.
  • 39KM / 11:00AM @Rest Stop 1/Bundanoon Oval – Rest Stop closes 11:00am. After this time riders will need to load into the SAG Wagon for a jump ahead on course or return to the Event Village.
  • 69M / 1:00PM @Rest Stop 2/Fitzroy Falls- Rest Stop closes 1:00pm. After this time riders will need to load into the SAG Wagon for a jump ahead on course or return to the Event Village.
  • 101KM / 3:00PM @Hydration Station/Glenquarry- Rest Stop closes 3:00pm. After this time riders will need to load into the SAG Wagon for a jump ahead on course or return to the Event Village.

85km Rouleurs Classic Cut-Off Times:

  • 23KM / 9:30AM @Cnr Yarrawa Rd & Nowra Rd, Werai (Hard Enforcement) Reach this location and rejoin the Maxi and Challenge course by 9:30am or load in the SAG Wagon for a jump ahead.
  • 40M / 1:00PM @Rest Stop 2/Fitzroy Falls- Rest Stop closes 1:00pm. After this time riders will need to load into the SAG Wagon for a jump ahead on course or return to the Event Village.
  • 72KM / 3:00PM @Hydration Station/Glenquarry- Rest Stop closes 3:00pm. After this time riders will need to load into the SAG Wagon for a jump ahead on course or return to the Event Village.

Gran Fondo Bag Drop Options

At Start Line 
On Sunday morning, there will be a bag drop car at the Start Line. 

Pack to many clothes or too warm? Use the Bag Drop to place any extra/unwanted clothes. They will be transported to the Event Village at Loseby Park, Bowral where you can pick up from the Bag Collection tent.

At Rest Stop 1  Bundanoon Oval (150km & 120km riders)
There will also be a Bag Drop station at Rest Stop 1. Riders can drop off any extra/unwanted clothes which will then be transported to the Event Village at Loseby Park.

At Rest Stop 2  Fitzroy Falls Sailing Club (85km riders & Highlanders bags)
There will also be a Bag Drop station at Rest Stop 2. Riders can drop off any extra/unwanted clothes which will then be transported to the Event Village at Loseby Park.

NOTE: Bags MUST be labelled with Full Name and Rider Number. 

Gran Fondo First Aid & Mechanics

Saturday, 19 October

There will be mechanics available at the Loseby Park Event Village from 11:30am – 5pm.

Sunday, 20 October

Mechanic Locations

  Start Line
  Bundanoon Rest Stop (150 & 120km riders)
 Fitzroy Falls Rest Stop (All riders)
  Additional mechanics roaming on course

First Aid Locations

  Event Village
  Bundanoon Rest Stop (150 & 120km riders)
 Fitzroy Falls Rest Stop (All riders)
  Additional first aid roaming on course

Rules & rider behaviour

The Bowral Classic is held on open roads. All road rules apply.
If a cyclist is found to be in breach of road rules organisers will disqualify and remove cyclist from event.

•  No more than two riders side-by-side unless overtaking.

• Please ensure you have reviewed the following NSW Road Rules.

• Obey all road rules and directions from Police and Traffic Controllers.

• On narrow country roads bicycle riders must avoid being a hazard to traffic.

• Ride on the left hand side of the road.

• Respect signs which have been put in place by the event organiser.

• Wear an Australian approved helmet at all times: no helmet = no ride.

• Any person participating in the event, must obey directions given by a member of the NSW Police Force or Ride Referee

• At the Ride Referees discretion, riders may be withdrawn from the event if they are outside the designated cut-off times and their safety cannot be reasonably ensured.

• While every effort has been made to mark out and officiate the course route, it remains the riders responsibility to be conversant with the ride route. Cyclists are reminded that road cycling can be considered a dangerous sport and whilst all reasonable care is taken by organisers and officials when organising an event, all participants have an equal responsibility to ensure they take all reasonable care by adhering to the road rules and other conditions imposed by ride officials, ensuring a safe ride environment for all concerned.

Emergency & Event Contacts

Ambulance, Police, Fire:  000

Emergency Hotline: 0447 182 425
Event Hotline: 0447 463 614

Please note the Emergency and Event hotlines will not be turned on until the weekend of the Bowral Classic. These numbers are also listed on your rider identification front plate.

There will be an ambulance on course along with a designated first aid response team with two vehicles on course.

Emergency medical staff will be clearly identified with high-vis vests and name tags.

Bike preparation

Come prepared, get your bike serviced before the event, put on new tires, check your brakes, cables, chain, lube etc. Please do not arrive to the start with a bike that needs a full service.

Saturday, 19 Oct – There will be mechanics in the event village at Loseby Park from 11:30am – 5:00pm.

Sunday, 20 Oct – There will be mechanics at the Start line area at Bong bong St Bowral from 6:00am – 7:30am. There will also be roaming mechanics roaming on course throughout event day.

What else to carry

Riders are to be self-reliant. Riders should carry:

•  2x water biddons
  Some nutrition, e.g. banana, muesli bar

•  2 x tubes
  C02 head unit and canisters
•  Puncture kit
  Front and rear lights
  Mobile phone
  Glasses
  Appropriate cycle related clothing
  Some money

Wear an Australian approved helmet at all times: no helmet = no ride.

Nutrition and hydration

This is a Sunday ride but not like your usual hit out. Two factors cannot be underestimated:
Even at 30km/h riders will be out for 5-plus hours on the bike.
Riders should consume one gram of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight per hour.

Eating and drinking by the time you feel hungry or thirsty will be too late.

Please note that local cafes will be open from 6am but there will be other cyclists with the same idea and you do not want to miss your start time.

GU electrolyte tabs and gels will be supplied at rest stops.

Every rider should carry some nutrition e.g. gels, bananas, muesli bars. Also riders are encouraged to carry two 750 ml water biddons.

Plan to drink all your fluids by the time you get to the next station. Do not wait to feel thirsty before you drink, by then it will be too late.

Remember to slip,slop, slap!
At the Rest Stops there will be a water station, food and First Aid kits.

Weather

BOWRAL DURING OCTOBER:

Mean maximum temperature: 19.6°C
Mean minumum temperature: 8.8°C
Mean rainfall: 69mm

Sunrise: 6:17am
Sunset: 7:12pm

Please be prepared! It is your responsibility to carry what you may need during the ride.

Security

The Event Management takes no responsibility for any valuables lost before / during or after the event.

Cyclists and insurance

Insurance is compulsory. During the registration process, you will be asked to note your current insurance cover and insurance number. Your current insurance will need to cover you for the Bowral Classic day event. This is a timed event, refer to your insurer’s conditions if you are unsure if you are covered. If you do not have the appropriate insurance, you will be asked to take out day insurance, Personal Accident Cover.

The cost of this cover is $10 per rider. Please click here for the Insurance FAQs.

Age restrictions

The minimum age for all courses is 12 years old. Riders aged 12-16 must hold an AusCycling Race Licence and be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the ride.

Protest

Any rider wishing to protest his/her timing or report an infringement by another rider should visit the Tomato Timing tent at the Event Village or email info@bowralclassic.com.au post-event.

Please note – the Bowral Classic is a ride not a race.

PUT THE BOWRAL CLASSIC COLLECTION ON YOUR PHONE: Capra is a free mobile app available in both Apple and Android app stores. The user-friendly app showcases the Bowral Classic courses with more detailed information, e.g. road closures, start/finish line locations, rest stops, etc. Scan the QR code above to open the Bowral Classic collection on Capra directly to your phone. Alternatively, if already on a mobile device, click through via the button below. 

VIEW BOWRAL CLASSIC COLLECTION

How to use the Capra app for the Bowral Classic

  1. Save the event ‘Collection’ to your library screen in the app. This makes it easy for you to quickly access all the information for your course. You can scan the QR code to automatically save the Collection if you don’t have it already.
  2. Individual course and map info ‘pins’ can be bookmarked for quick access via the Bookmarks screen. This is especially useful if you want support crew to focus on a particular point on the map.
  3. Event collections are a great way to check out pre-arrival information such as parking, road closures and where the event village is located.
  4. Distance units are default set to metric, change units to imperial in Account > Settings.
  5. Capra maps provide excellent detail even if offline but make sure you’ve looked at your course map before you set off as the app stores the map detail automatically for use offline.
  6. If you have an emergency tap the ‘life ring’ on the map to give you your exact lat/long details which can be shared easily if you have even a small amount of signal.
  7. You can close the app and put your phone away, e.g. when you’re racing, and when you pull it out the app will open to the screen you were on making it battery efficient to use as back up in a race.
  8. Each course map can be shared easily with friends and support crew via the menu option.
  9. The app does not record your activity so there is nothing to start or stop.
  10. The event collection also pinpoints local points of interest and event partners the team would love you to support when you’re in town and on the event weekend.