MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 29 August
Simon Gerrans announced as United Energy Around the Bay ambassador
Bicycle Network is delighted to announce three-time Grand Tour stage winner, commentator and Hendry’s bike store owner Simon Gerrans as an event ambassador for United Energy Around the Bay on Sunday 6 October.
Simon will lead out the 135km Geelong to Albert Park ride, starting from Cunningham Pier at Geelong’s waterfront and travelling through the Bellarine Peninsula, across to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula before riding along Melbourne’s iconic Beach Road to the Albert Park finish line.
Around 10,000 riders are expected to join the event, which is celebrating its 30th year in 2024.
So far, almost 400 riders have registered for the 135km ride, and 130 riders have signed up for the event from Geelong and the surrounding region.
“I’m excited to be an ambassador for the 30th anniversary of Bicycle Network’s Around the Bay and supporting the event. Bicycle Network and United Energy Around the Bay aligns closely to Hendry’s values of fostering a supportive and inclusive cycling community,” says Gerrans.
“I hope plenty of Geelong locals join me on the ride. Hendry’s will provide mechanical support and assist riders as they pass through the Geelong and Queenscliff stopovers.”
Geelong start riders can join Simon by using the HENDRYSATB code upon entry to the 135km ride for 10% off.
As event-appointed mechanical support, Hendry’s marquees will be located at the Geelong and Queenscliff stopovers to support riders’ bike and nutritional needs.
Gerrans says he and Hendry’s team will host two free local training rides in September to ensure riders are well prepared for the event. The rides will be split into two to three groups, each led by a member of the team. Find training ride details here
HENDRY’S STORES
Ocean grove
83 The Parade, Ocean Grove
Geelong
147 Marshalltown Road, Grovedale
1300 436 379
hendrys.com.au
EVENT BACKGROUND
United Energy Around the Bay was created to promote cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport and to raise funds for charity. The first ride challenged entrants to complete a lap around Port Phillip Bay and its popularity has expanded to other route options catering to different types of riders.
Five hundred riders joined the first event in 1993, and numbers grew to 8600 riders in 2004, nearly 11,000 in 2005, more than 16,000 in 2008, and 17,000 in 2012. In 2023, as events struggled in a post-COVID environment, more than 7700 riders signed up to ride around the Bay.
United Energy Around the Bay has become a fixture in Melbourne's sporting calendar, and is known for its scenic routes, joyous ferry rides, community spirit, and its support for charity. This year’s charity partner, Maddie Reiwoldt’s Vision supports patients and families living with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Leanne Tolra, leannet@bicyclenetwork.com.au, 0402 100 093
Nick Lavars, nickl@bicyclenetwork.com.au, 0421 142 993
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Bicycle Network is a not-for-profit health promotion organisation. Membership and event participation support Bicycle Network’s advocacy initiatives and behavior change programs (such as Ride2School) to make it easier for everyone to ride a bike, every day.
