A CELEBRATION OF SPORT, FUN AND LIFESTYLE

Queensland’s sporting links in the cycling arena will be strengthened thanks to a major cycling race.

The event, which will be held on Sunday 13 November 2005, is the joint project of the Brisbane City Council, Cycling Queensland and the Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Queensland.

Giro di Brisbane is an international bike race which will give international cycling professionals the opportunity to ride in a world-class and unique cycling race organised with an “Italian flavour”. It is envisaged that this will become an annual event with international participants and major media coverage. It will also coincide with a major Italian festival with an expected attendance of 10,000 people.

“The Brisbane Abruzzo Club at Carina will be the backdrop for this event”, said Cr. Michael Caltabiano, local member for Chandler. The race, which will take the form of a 100km kermesse, will start at the Brisbane Abruzzo Club and continue through a specifically mapped-out route. There will be an all day festival for families in the grounds of the club along with plenty of entertainment.

Another feature of the day will be “VeloCitta`”, a mini bike-expo where cycling companies can exhibit their products and services”, says Maria Antonietta Maruca, Secretary General of the Italian Chamber of Commerce. There are many links between Italy and Queensland in this sport and this event will give companies both from Australia and Italy, the opportunity to promote their products and at the same time strengthen the rapport between Italy and Australia in the cycling arena. It will also allow the creation of potential strategic alliances and partnerships.

Wendy Sanders from Cycling Queensland says, “Giro di Brisbane will further promote and extend appreciation of the sport and at the same time will put Queensland on the map for major international sporting events”.

In fact, Giro di Brisbane is also an opportunity to showcase the many different facets of the Queensland lifestyle that are connected to Italy through sport, fine food, beauty, fashion, and cars. A Ferrari will lead the race, whilst the legendary “Vespa’s” will assist the marshalling of the event. Italian food sensations from around Brisbane will cook up a storm and many Italian companies will have the opportunity to promote and display their products.

For further information contact Maria Antonietta Maruca on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by mobile on +61 417 786 750 or Wendy Sanders (Cycling Queensland) on Tel: 07 3390 1477