Troy Bayliss at O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa and Conference Centre.

Triple World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss has launched a new national cycling event set to attract the sport’s elite and amateur competitors in a challenging yet breathtaking course through Queensland’s Scenic Rim region.

The avid cyclist was joined at O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa & Conference Centre by motorcycle racers Ben Henry and Chris Hollis, former V8 Supercar driver Michael Patrizi and leading national rider Geoff Straub, to reveal both legs of the inaugural event which will be held on Sunday, 19 May.

The Allenview Turf Troy Bayliss Invitational will feature world-class male riders pushing the limits over a gruelling 128km layout beginning at Canungra before travelling west to Boyland, Biddaddaba, Beaudesert and Kerry.

Riders will complete a loop upon return to Canungra before tackling the 36km ascent up Lamington National Park Road to the finish line at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Riders will climb a combined 1500m, including a taxing 900m in the final stint, in their pursuit of the Ducati King of the Mountain Award.

The O’Reilly’s Scenic Rim Grand Fondo, a mass participation ride, will be more suited to amateur and everyday enthusiasts, open to those over 10 years of age (accompanied by an adult) riding a bicycle with at least 10 gears.

The Fondo covers the final 36km of the elite-class event – a gradual 25km climb to the jewel of the Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort.

The Ducati King and Queen of the Mountain will be awarded in the Grand Fondo field.

Bayliss, who retired from World Superbikes after winning his third title in 2008, has a strong passion for cycling and maintains an active involvement in professional competition.

Despite regularly cycling routes on coastal and hinterland roads, he was only recently introduced to the Scenic Rim’s Lamington National Park Road ride.

“This has to be one of the best climbs I have done outside of Europe,” said Bayliss. “The climb isn’t too steep and the views are spectacular – I wish all cyclists could experience this climb.

“The two events will bring together riders of all calibres – the highly-experienced professionals and those who just enjoy the freedom of the open road.

“It’s something everyone can experience and we’re hopeful it will become both a marquee event on the national cycling calendar while promoting the Scenic Rim as an ideal tourist destination.

“The event is close to both the Gold Coast and Brisbane, as well as easily accessible from Northern NSW or the Sunshine Coast, and the area can be enjoyed by families and couples.”

RACQ Careflight was announced as the nominated charity for the event, a service Bayliss feels is essential for the region.

The event is sponsored by Allenview Turf and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort in addition to hydration sponsor Mydrade, King of the Mountain award sponsor Ducati and vehicle supplier Audi Centre Gold Coast.

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