The Devils Cardigan
Date
Saturday 10.05.2025Distances
106 kmCity
Derby (TAS)
Country
AustraliaIn 2023 and 2024, the Devil’s Cardigan proudly hosted the Australian National Gravel Championships in Tasmania. Building further on that success and with the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships being scheduled in Australia, Tasmania will also join the UCI Gravel World Series.
Course
The Devil’s Cardigan has two courses on offer. The long 106km course with 2300m of elevation as official qualifier distance for all categories and a shorter 54km course with 1200m of elevation as non-qualifier distance for those not interested in going to the world championships.
87% of the course is on gravel with 13% bitumen spread over 4 short sections for the 106km while the shorter course has 40% of paved roads, skipping the southern part of the long course.
Profile
2300m elevation is some serious gain and combine that with the potential weather elements, The Devils Cardigan is no picnic. There are 3 major climbs on route, Mutual Valley Climb, Ralph Falls and the final one leading onto Mt Albert road.
- Mutual Valley : starting only 7.5km after the start, this 8.3km climb has an average gradient of 4.2%. A very long climb with some flat sections but a steep last peak before the top.
- Ralph Falls : a long 10.5 climb with 600m elevation gain and an average gradient of 5% with a peak up to 16% right before the top.
- The Un-named climb of Hell : this segment is 3.5km long, gains 280m and has an average gradient of 8%. This average contains a small descent early in the climb, with the majority of the climb averaging over 9%. The max gradient is about 15%.
DERBY TASMANIA
Derby, Tasmania, is a historic town in the north-east of the island state, known for its rich mining heritage and stunning natural beauty.
History
Originally established in the 1870s during Tasmania’s mining boom, Derby flourished as a hub for tin mining and timber milling. The town reached its peak in the late 19th century, with a population of over 3,000 people and the Briseis Mine producing over 120 tonnes of tin per month. However, a devastating flood in 1929 caused by the collapse of the Briseis Dam led to the decline of the mining industry.
Mountain Biking Paradise
In recent years, Derby has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks to its world-class mountain biking trails. The Blue Derby network offers over 125 kilometers of purpose-built single-track trails, catering to riders of all skill levels. The trails wind through stunning forests, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain (https://bluederbypodsride.com.au/blog/news/blue-derby)
Other Attractions
In addition to mountain biking, Derby offers a range of other attractions:
- Floating Sauna Lake Derby: This unique sauna experience allows you to relax in a wood-fired sauna, followed by a refreshing dip in the nearby lake (https://www.floatingsauna.com.au/)
- Tin Dragon Trail Monument: This monument commemorates the history of tin mining in the region (https://chinozhistory.org/index.php/38-trail-of-the-tin-dragon/)
- Cascade and Ringarooma Rivers: These picturesque rivers offer opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and scenic walks.
For more information visit https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/regions/launceston-and-north/derby/
