Cadel’s race locked in for next three years

THE Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (CEGORR) will be back on the roads of Geelong and the Surf Coast not only in 2023 but for also the two following years, with the state government backing the event until 2025.

Receiving the highest possible sanctioning from the world governing body Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the Elite Men’s Race and Elite Women’s Road Race have been confirmed today (Saturday, July 30) as WorldTour events for the next three years.

The four-day CEGORR festival, which was called off due to COVID-19 in 2021 and this year, will return on January 26-29, 2023 and will also feature curtain-raiser event the Race Torquay criterium as well as other events for the public to enjoy.

Cyclists of all ages can ride on the same course – which has previously passed through Geelong, Barwon Heads, Torquay and Moriac – as their elite cycling heroes through the popular People’s Ride and Family Ride.

Since the inaugural event in 2015, which marked Cadel Evans’ final professional race, it has been broadcast in more than 140 countries.

The last staging of the event in 2020 attracted more than 120,000 fans with 57 per cent of attendees travelling from outside the region.

“I’m so excited that the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will be back in January 2023,” Evans said.

“I can’t wait to welcome the world’s elite cyclists and thousands of visitors back to my hometown.”

In the event’s ongoing commitment to gender equality, the 2023-2025 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race series will continue to offer equal prizemoney for elite women and men.

Today’s announcement follows some strong performances by Australian cyclists on the world stage this year, with Jai Hindley winning the Giro d’Italia, and podium finishes for Ben O’Connor at the Criterium du Dauphine and Grace Brown at The Women’s Tour.

“This is great news for cycling fans and even better news for Victorians, with a new pillar in our major events calendar drawing international cycling superstars while showcasing the state to audiences across the world,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said.
“With tens of thousands of visitors making their way to Geelong and the Surf Coast, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is a win for local businesses and for local jobs.”

Quotes attributable to UCI President David Lappartient said the CEGORR races remained part of the UCI’s two leading series of professional road races for men and women – the UCI WorldTour and UCI Women’s WorldTour – which were “reserved for the most prestigious events in the world”.

“Named after one of Australia’s great cyclists, they will provide a wonderful showcase for our sport and our hosts in Victoria.”