Challambra Climb to test the world’s best

THE Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (CEGORR) starts in a week’s time, and spectators can see the agony on the faces of the world’s best cyclists as they trade blows up the steep Challambra Climb, made famous by the 2010 UCI Road World Championships.

The Elite Men tackle the climb in Highton four times on February 2, while the Elite Women race up Challambra Crescent once on February 1 on their way to the finish.

On February 1, People’s Ride participants will be travelling up the climb between 9.30am and 1.30pm, with the Elite Women’s Race expected at about 3.15-3.30pm.

The Elite Men’s Race is expected to arrive for the first time on February 2 between 1.45-2pm, and will then climb Challambra four times, through until about 3pm.

The Sunday has a feature-packed program at the King of the Mountain live site, featuring the whole race on the big screen, community activities, prizes and giveaways, a live MC, music and entertainment, food and beverage as well as the chance to #ChallengeChallambra yourself between noon and 1pm. You can also chalk a message to the riders between 11am and noon.

Arrive early to beat the crowds and traffic management treatments. If coming from Melbourne or the Surf Coast, use the Princes Freeway and take either the Barrabool Road off-ramp (part of the course, so arrive early) or Princes Highway off-ramp and come up via South Valley Road. If you are coming from central Geelong, why not ride your bike?

The closest off-street parking is Barrabool Hills Plaza or Highton Village. There is limited on-street parking, but organisers ask that you are respectful when parking on the street in front of residential properties. Mt Pleasant Road is a good option within walking distance. Please don’t park on the course.

For more information on the full CEGORR program, head to cadelroadrace.com.au.