Help me to compete in UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

Hi, I’m John.

When I was a junior athlete, I self funded all of my sporting pursuits, due to my parents not being well off financially. Getting sponsorships from local businesses within my small home town along with working whilst at school, I was able to pay all travel expenses for any event I was able to attend. I did qualify to represent Australia in kayaking when I was 17 at the 2003 national championships; however due to the expense of heading overseas to compete for my country, I was unfortunately unable to go.

Now as a masters athlete the opportunity has arisen again, this time in road cycling.

Cycling has become my number one passion for the past few years and I have been privileged to be able to complete many events whilst training alongside my coach.

Unfortunately I became unemployed over a year ago and have struggled to restart up my own business to support myself. This has led to me having to forgo some events based on not having the income to afford the entry costs.

With the opportunity to qualify for the Gran Fondo World Championships in Lorne I was determined to qualify for this event.

Travelling to Brisbane recently to complete this qualifying event was only possible due to me being able to withdraw funds from my superannuation early. However along with other overdue expenses this disappeared very quickly.

I achieved my mission of qualifying during this event and am now setting my sights on the Worlds in October 2025.

Now I am faced with the dilemma of achieving my goal to qualify and be able to represent Australia at the world champs, but not being able to afford to compete. I would really appreciate any assistance you could give so that I don’t have to let this opportunity pass me by again.

Thankfully being held in Lorne, Victoria the travel costs are substantially less than heading overseas or interstate.

With entry fees and Aus kit requirements being over $600, plus associated travel and accommodation costs; any contribution would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou very much