Every climb counts
One ride. One cause. One community. Grand Velo is a not-for-profit cycling collective bringing attention to some of Australia’s most urgent causes through week-long international bike rides. We’re not professional athletes, just a bunch of ordinary people in lycra, pushing pedals for something extraordinary.
About Grand Velo
Grand Velo is about more than bikes. It’s about mateship, adventure, and making a difference. Every year, we take on a new destination, a new challenge, and a new charity partner — though always with the same goal: to ride together and raise funds for causes that need it most.
What started as a small crew has grown into a community of riders, support crew, and friends from all walks of life. We ride hard, laugh loud, and sometimes cry a little (usually on the hills) but we always keep rolling for the bigger picture.
A legacy for our friend, George “GV” Varkanis
George Varkanis was a devoted husband, loving dad to three daughters, and an inspiring leader whose life was dedicated to helping others. He founded Celgene ANZ, championed life-changing cancer treatments, and co-created the Ride as One cycling event, pedalling thousands of kilometres across Australia, New Zealand, and Japan to raise 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 by family, friends, and this community, but his spirit lives on in every kilometre we ride, every laugh we share, and every dollar we raise.
Our next grand tour: Sicily 2026
Each year we take the pack somewhere new; from the rolling hills of New Zealand to the coastal climbs of Hawaii, and in 2026: the South of Italy.
- Destination: Sicily, IT
- Dates: 23 May – 1 June 2026
- Distance: 940km
- Charity Partner:
The journey ahead:
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.
How to support
Every Grand Velo rider commits to more than just the ride; they take on the challenge of raising funds that go directly to our chosen charity partner. Here’s how you can support:
- Sponsor a Rider → fuel their legs, and their fundraising
- Donate to the Cause → every dollar makes a difference
- Share the Journey → spread the word, cheer from home
Since our wheels first hit the road, Grand Velo riders have:
Clocked up XXXX kilometres
Raised over $XXX,XXX for charity
Supported X incredible causes
And we’re only just getting started.
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