Cycling legend helps turn Geelong roads yellow

AUSTRALIAN cycling legend Cadel Evans led out just under 3,000 cyclists on the TAC People’s Ride from the Geelong Waterfront earlier today (Saturday, January 31).

Within minutes, the roads of Geelong and the routes that will be used for the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race for women this afternoon and men tomorrow (Sunday, February 1) were lined with riders wearing the official yellow jersey of the People’s Ride.

The festive atmosphere and camaraderie at the start of the ride reflected that of yesterday’s GeelongPort Family Ride, which saw children and parents rode on a shorter circuit along the Geelong waterfront, alongside Evans and several of the pro riders who will race in this weekend’s UCI WorldTour and Women’s WorldTour events.

Today’s People’s Ride allowed participants to ride over routes of two different lengths – 63km and 124km. The experience provided them all with a taste of what those who race in the main Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will take on.

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is the first one day WorldTour event of the year for both the women and men fields. Ahead of the main races, organisers and partners have emphasised road safety messages.

The 142.2km women’s race, won last year by New Zealand’s Ally Wollaston (FDJ United -SUEZ) who is back to defend her title, starts later today at 12.40pm. The 186.1km men’s race won last year by Swiss champion Mauro Schmid (Jayco – Alula) who is also here to race, is on tomorrow with the start at 11.10am. Last year’s race results are detailed in Wollaston, Schmid win at Cadel’s race.