FAQ Westport Gran Fondo

 

EVENT INFORMATION

How Long are the Routes:

How much climbing does it have?

Click here to see the routes with climb sections:
Gran Fondo route
Medio Fondo route

 

REGISTRATION

What is the entry fee?

Early Bird Entry Fee €49.00.
 

What does my entry fee include?

Chip Timing.
Motorbike & roadside marshals.
Food Stops.
Full Course Technical Support
Finish Medal
After Party at the Castlecourt Hotel. 

 

Can I register for Westport Gran Fondo on the morning of the event? 
Yes you can at the Ashleigh Suite, Castlecourt Hotel.  Registration takes place on the following dates:

Friday 24th April – 5pm – 9.00pm

Saturday 25th April :
Gran Fondo Registration 7.30am - 8.30am
Medio Fondo Registration 8.30am - 9.30am

Do I need a Racing Licence to take part in Westport Gran Fondo:
No

Do I need a Mandatory Kit for Westport Gran Fondo:
Yes. Please see below for details:

Helmet
Mobile Phone
Puncture Repair Kit ( 2 Spare Tubes, Tyre Levers, Pump)
Foil Blanket
Basic First Aid Kit
Photo ID

Must I be over a certain age?
All entrants must be over 18 years

Where & How Do I Register?
Click on our site www.westportgranfondo.ie

Is there a Refund or transfer of entry if I am unable to attend?
Once you have entered no refunds or transfers can be offered for cancellations or no shows for the event.

What type of bike can I ride for the Event?
We suggest you use a road bike as it is the best option to ride in groups. Its light weight makes climbing easier.
You can also ride a mountain bike, touring bike or single speed (with two brakes). A triathlon bike is fine as long as you keep your hands on the brake lever while riding in a group.
Tandems, recumbent bikes, trailers and bike seats are not allowed for safety reasons.

Is It Timed?
Yes, every cyclist will receive his/her start to finish time.

Can someone else register for me?

For safety reasons, every participant has to be present at registration.

Is Accommodation Available?
The hub of Westport Gran Fondo is the Westport Hotel Group. Westport Gran Fondo will start at the Westport Plaza & Castlecourt Hotel, and the race will finish at the Westport Coast Hotel at the quay. The group consists of three 4 star properties based at both the start and finish line. Click here to check out packages www.westporthotelgroup.ie

 

 

REGISTRATION FORM

Online Registration must be completed. Limited places available.

 

AT THE START

What do I need to bring with me?
A hard shell helmet is compulsory for every participant and the writsband provided at registration. Helmets with buckled chin straps must be worn at all times. Also, keep your wristband on for post event festivities.
Headphones of any kind are not allowed.

Don’t forget your:
bike
spare tube
pump
gear
food and drink (there are food stations on the route but it is always safer to bring your own. You will need it!)

Where can I park?
Important information on parking will be posted before the cycle.

What time does the event start at?
Each Route will have its own start time which will be confirmed

 

DURING THE RACE

Are there Medical stations?
There will be 3 Fixed Medical centres on the route to be confirmed closer to the date.

First-Aid will be provided on the day by the Civil Defence

There will also be service vehicles (mechanical difficulties) and the infamous broom wagon, so if it all gets too much transport to the finish will be provided where possible. If you do get into difficulty please notify event personnel immediately.

Where are the Food Stops?
Confirmed nearer the event.

Are the roads closed on the day?
We will be operating a running road clousure system on the day. This is done in order to MINIMISE traffic and will NOT eliminate all traffic. You need to think of the roads as open, expect traffic and obey the Rules of the Road accordingly.

What do I do if I encounter a medical emergency?
Phone the Medical Helpline number which is on your bike tag. Give clear and precise information on the nature of the injury and where the casualty is located and give your contact number.

Will there be mechanical backup?
Yes. There will be mobile units looking after bike problems.

What do I do if I have a problem with my bike?
Everybody is expected to bring the basics with them on the day i.e. Puncture repair kit, spare tube, pump and bike levers. It is strongly advised that you know how to fix a simple puncture as this could save you a lot of waiting time on the day. If you encounter a problem that you are unable to sort yourself phone the Mechanical helpline number which will be printed on your bike tag. Please give clear and precise information on the nature of the problem, where you are located and give your contact number. The coordinator will inform the nearest backup team to assist you but please understand that they may take some considerable time to reach you. It is strongly advised that you have a full service carried out on your bike before the event.

What happens if my bike has to be transported back to Westport?
There will be a dedicated depot in Westport where you will be reunited with your bike.

I have never cycled in a large group before. What should I expect?
Group riding is faster as you save about 30% energy in a draft. It takes a bit of skill to get used to riding closely behind someone else’s wheel.

 What will the weather be like?
Best to be prepared for all weather, but generally April is a mild month.

 Is there a time limit for the cycle?

All Gran Fondo competitors must reach Ashleigh Falls by 10.20AM 

 

  

AT THE FINISH

Where is the official finish?
All cyclists will finish the event at Westport Quay, where food & fun will be waiting for you.

Will I get a well earned massage when I reach the finish?
Yes, we will have a massage/physio tent at the finish line.

Will I get Food at the finish line?
Yes, we will have a finish line tent we food & refreshments waiting for our competitors.

What is the purpose of the bike tag and wristband?
The wristband will allow you to gain access to the food stations. The bike tags will have your race number and also emergency contact numbers for you the competitor.

Where should I put my bike tag?
You need to display your bike tag clearly on your handlebars as shown below. This is the only acceptable position and will ensure your speedy passage through the checkpoints.

Do I need to bring food and water with me?
You should bring at least one full water bottle on your bike however cyclists on the 121km route will receive a Musset Bag on route.

Will there be a lost and found section?
Yes. All items will be brought to the Castlecourt Hotel for collection.