Mapei unveiled as race’s new title partner

THE Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race has revealed Mapei as its inaugural naming rights partner.

A premium partner since the race’s inception in 2015, the company long synonymous with road cycling has marked the 10th anniversary of the UCI WorldTour event by extending its commitment for another three years.

Inspired by Europe’s prestigious one-day classics, the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race has grown into one of the biggest annual sporting events in regional Australia.

Cadel Evans (right) speaks at the announcement as (L-R) Mapei Australian general manager Marco De Santis, Geelong MP Christine Couzens, City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj and event MC Matthew Keenan. Photos: JAMES TAYLOR

The 2026 edition of the race will welcome the world’s best Men’s and Women’s professional riders to Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast from January 28 to February 1.

The annual event is the only men’s and women’s UCI WorldTour one-day races on Australia’s cycling calendar and attracts 120,000 fans to the region each year.

Evans, the race’s founder and Australia’s only Tour de France winner, spoke at the announcement at Eastern Beach earlier today (Tuesday, September 2).

“I am both honoured and proud that a company like Mapei have decided to increase their already unwavering support for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race,” he said.

“The Mapei brand is a prestigious one in world cycling from their super team to sponsoring the UCI Road World Championships and now, naming rights sponsor of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

“With Mapei by our side, we look forward to the future of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race with excitement at what we can achieve.”

The race blends elite competition with community celebration – bringing together world-class athletes, passionate fans, and everyday riders. It features the elite men’s and women’s races, the TAC People’s Ride, the GeelongPort Family Ride and the UCI ProSeries Surf Coast Classics.

The event champions inclusivity, road safety, and active living, with equal prize money awarded across elite categories and a strong focus on community engagement.

L-R: Marco De Santis, Australian cycling legends Phil Anderson and Simon Gerrans, former UCI Women’s WorldTour rider Grace Brown, and Cadel Evans. Photo: SUPPLIED

“As a company deeply rooted in the cycling community, Mapei recognise the same values as the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – passion, resilience, and driving for excellence,” Mapei Australian general manager Marco De Santis said.

“Mapei has proudly been a premium partner of the event since its inception, and with our decades-long relationship with Cadel Evans, stepping up as the naming partner has made the collaboration a true celebration of Australian cycling.

“The partnership allows us to contribute resources in our network and exemplify how international businesses like Mapei can contribute to local culture and events and make a positive difference within the community, promoting healthy lifestyles and inspiring future generations to chase their dreams.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens and City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj also welcomed Mapei becoming the naming rights partner.

“The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race brings huge crowds to our region, who flock to bars, restaurants and hotels across the region – delivering a huge boost to local businesses,” Ms Couzens said.

This announcement arrives amid continued growth of the race as a sports festival drawing huge crowds, and its known economic impact as local businesses hope to cash in on the event.