Triathlon
TriathlonAustralia
Noosa Triathlon
Noosa, Queensland·Date to be confirmed
One of the world's largest Olympic-distance triathlons on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
CyclingAustralia
Peaks Challenge Falls Creek
Falls Creek, Victoria·Date to be confirmed·235 km
Col de Sud is an independent coaching and information platform. Event details may change. Always confirm dates, entry requirements and course information with the official event organiser.
Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
📍 Falls Creek, Victoria, Australia
Usually Held
🗓 March
2026 Event Date
Date to be confirmed
Distances
235 km
Course Type
Road (alpine)
Difficulty
Advanced
Entries
Opening Soon
Official Website
Last Updated
November 2025
Countdown
Race date to be confirmed
Preparing for this event?
Recommended plan: 20 Week Climbing Program.
- ✔Peaks Challenge finish
- ✔Sub 13 hour goal
- ✔First alpine 200 km+
Overview
The event.
Peaks Challenge Falls Creek is Australia's most respected one-day cycling event — 235 km, more than 4,000 m of climbing, three major alpine passes and a 13-hour cutoff. Riders leave Falls Creek at dawn, descend into the Kiewa Valley, climb Tawonga Gap, take on Mount Hotham from Harrietville, and then complete the sting-in-the-tail WTF (Way to Falls) climb to return home. Completing Peaks is a rite of passage for Australian road cyclists, and finishing under 13 hours earns a coveted finisher's jersey.
Serious, respectful, alpine dawn. Falls Creek village at the finish is one of the great celebrations in Australian cycling.
Who it suitsExperienced riders comfortable with 6+ hour rides and long climbs. Not a first event.
Distances
235 km
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Distance
- 235 km
- Elevation
- ~4,000 m
- Surface
- Sealed road, open to some traffic with escort
- Major climbs
- Tawonga Gap (7 km), Mt Hotham (30 km), WTF climb (final 30 km)
- Feed zones
- Six aid stations along the route
- Technical sections
- Long alpine descents (Tawonga, Hotham), fast switchbacks
Difficulty Snapshot
Col de Sud assessment.
Endurance
Climbing
Technical
Weather exposure
Beginner suitability
General Col de Sud assessment — not an official event rating.
Typical Conditions
What to expect.
- Temperature
- 0–28 °C (huge range)
- Humidity
- Low
- Wind
- Variable
- Rain likelihood
- Possible
- Water temperature
- TBC
- Altitude
- Up to 1,850 m
How to Train
Preparing your body.
Recommended preparation
20 weeks with a strong volume and climbing base.
Long sessions
Peak long rides of 7–8 hours with 2,500–3,500 m climbing.
Strength training
Twice-weekly heavy lower-body strength during base and build.
Recovery
Structured 3-on-1-off week cycle; sleep 8+ hours through peak weeks.
Course-specific prep
Ride at least two 6-hour days back-to-back and one 200 km event before race day.
Nutrition practice
Rehearse 90–110 g carbs/hour and multi-hour real-food fuelling.
Equipment testing
Compact chainring and 11–34 cassette. Fresh tyres, chain, brake pads.
Key weekly sessions
- — Long ride with 2,500+ m climbing
- — Sweetspot climbing intervals
- — Threshold long reps
- — 1–2 easy rides
- — Strength
Race Weekend Guide
Plan your trip.
Travel
Drive from Melbourne to Falls Creek (~4.5 hours). Fly to Albury for a shorter transfer.
Accommodation
Book Falls Creek village on-mountain accommodation many months out.
Packet collection
Friday afternoon and Saturday at the Peaks event hub in Falls Creek.
Parking
Free parking on-mountain; car stays there for the whole event.
Public transport
You start and finish at Falls Creek — no shuttle required.
Weather
Alpine autumn — expect anything from frost to 28 °C.
What to pack
Full mandatory kit: rain jacket, gilet, arm/knee warmers, full-finger gloves.
Nutrition
Prepare a personal drop bag with your race food and spare bidons.
Recovery
Compression, elevation, and a proper meal within an hour of finishing.
Local cafés
Attic Cafe or Frueauf Cafe in Falls Creek for pre and post-race meals.
After the race
Stay for Bright, Mt Buffalo or the Murray to Mountains rail trail.
Equipment Checklist
What to pack.
Safety
- Helmet
- ID + emergency contact
Kit
- Cycling shoes
- Rain jacket / gilet
- Gloves (full and half finger)
Nutrition
- Race nutrition (gels, bars)
- Bottles / hydration mix
Mechanical
- Spare tubes x2
- CO₂ inflator + cartridges
- Mini pump
- Multi-tool + tyre levers
Tech
- GPS computer + charger
- Front & rear lights
- Power bank
Comfort
- Chamois cream
- Sunscreen
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
How much climbing is on Peaks Challenge?+
More than 4,000 m over 235 km — the highest single-day elevation of any mainstream Australian gran fondo.
What's the cutoff time?+
13 hours from your start wave. Riders outside the cutoff receive a 'brave' finish rather than an official time.
What gearing do I need?+
A compact 50/34 chainring with an 11–32 or 11–34 cassette suits most riders.
Is Peaks suitable for a first gran fondo?+
No — Peaks is best attempted after several 100 km+ events and a full 20-week structured build.
When do entries open?+
Entries usually open in mid-year for the following March event.
Col de Sud Coaching
Train for your next mountain.
Preparing for this event? Col de Sud can help you build a realistic plan around your fitness, experience, work and family commitments.
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Last details checked: November 2025