Grand Velo, every climb counts.
Grand Velo is a not for profit cycling collective bringing people together for endurance rides around the world. Motivated to raise funds and awareness for Australia’s most urgent causes, each year brings a new destination, a new challenge, and a new charity partner.
Our next grand tour: Sicily 2026
An 8-day cycling expedition in the land of gods and legends
Day 1: Arrival into Catania
80km, 1600m elevation
Arrival into Catania to start the trip. Spend the afternoon exploring Teatro Romano and Castello Ursin, or taking aperitivo on Piazza Universita.
Day 2: Catania to Syracuse
113km, 1400m elevation
The first ride will take us into the foothills and farmsteads east of Catania. We’ll pass through the ancient town of Lentini, before dropping down to the home of Archimedes: Syracuse.
Day 3: Syracuse to Ragusa
132km, 1550m elevation
Cycle through the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Noto and Ragusa, as well as a fabulously preserved fishing village at Marzamemi.
Day 4: Ragusa to Enna
144km, 2650m elevation
Heading away from the coast, we’ll pass through the UNESCO listed city Caltagirone, and time permitting, take a stop at the Roman Villa at Casale. We finish the day perched on the edge of a mountain in Enna.
Day 5: Enna to Cefalù
113km, 2450m elevation
Heading to the north of the island, we’ll climb up through the picturesque Madonie National Park before a 38km descent all the way to the coastal town of Cefalù.
Day 6: Cefalù to Bronte
132km, 3200m elevation
Having climbed up through Castelbuono, we’re then into the fertile lava fields of Etna. Famous for pistachios, the region has been at the mercy of the mountain for thousands of years.
Day 7: Bronte to Taormina
126km, 2700m elevation OR
74km, 1400m elevation
Two riding options. A stunning loop of the mountain around Barberini, or an easier ride ahead of the Etna climb on the last day. We spend the evening in the iconic town of Taormina.
Day 8: Mt Etna & Catania
98km, 2400m elevation
The trip finishes with the most famous Sicilian climb, up the active volcano of Etna. A phenomenal ride and incredible views of Catania as we descend for the final night.
About Grand Velo
Our comprehensive suite of professional services caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from homeowners to commercial developers.
Études Architect App
- Collaborate with fellow architects.
- Showcase your projects.
- Experience the world of architecture.
A legacy for our friend, George “GV” Varkanis
George Varkanis was a devoted husband, proud dad to three daughters, and a natural leader who poured his energy into lifting others up. He founded Celgene ANZ, where his passion for people and progress helped bring life-changing cancer treatments to patients. Beyond work, George’s love of cycling and community led him to co-create Ride as One, pedalling thousands of kilometres across Australia, New Zealand and Japan to raise vital funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.
In June 2018, George passed away from a rare cancer, Adrenocortical Carcinoma, following a sudden diagnosis only four months prior. He met the challenge with extraordinary courage, perseverance and selflessness; qualities that underpin the community we’ve created in Grand Velo today.
George is deeply loved and missed, but his spirit rides with us still: in every climb, every kilometre, and in every epic place we come together around the world.
“Études has saved us thousands of hours of work and has unlocked insights we never thought possible.”
Annie Steiner
CEO, Greenprint
Watch, Read, Listen
No posts were found.
Travelogue EP. 5