By Callum Ludwig
From 1-3 April 2022, cyclists will be descending on and then from Warburton, as they tackle Mt Donna Buang in the seventh installment of the Giro della Donna road and gravel cycling race.
The event is opened by a Friday night 3-course dinner and drinks event, the Serata Coppi, at Projekt 3488 in Warburton for only 80 guests. Tickets are priced at $149, and attendees will be joined by a special guest; recently-retired professional cyclist Mitch Docker.
On Saturday 2 April, Piccolo Giro will be run, a free family-based fun ride starting and finishing in the Giro della Donna event village. The Piccolo Giro takes the rail trail to Yarra Junction and back (15km) and all attendees must register for the event. Music, face-painting, food and drink, plus a few surprises, will all be on offer on the day courtesy of CIRE and Yarra Junction residents and roving judges will be picking out the best-dressed bikes (and riders) for prizes. Event Village and Registration / Check-In will open at 9.30am before a rider briefing at 11:45am and the ride start at 12pm.
The Gravel Giro is also on Saturday, capped at 500 riders in 2022. Supported by international bike manufacturer Cervélo, riders can ride or race on stunning rain-forested climbs and flow down ridge lines over 55km. Entry is available for $129 online or $139 at the event, with online entry closing at 12pm midday Wednesday, 30 March 2022.
On Sunday 3 April will be the 125km Giro della Donna itself, starting at 8am. Riders will glide through temperate rainforest and towering trees before reaching a pit stop in Marysville, before the challenging incline over 8km to the summit of Mt Donna Buang before a 20km descent. Riders must pass under the CYCLING TIPS Arch, back at the Event Village to avoid a DNF (Did Not Finish) being issued.
Entry is available for $219 online or $229 at the event, or a combo package with the Gravel Giro can be purchased at $319 for online entry or $339 for standard.
