Surf Coast Classic joins UCI ProSeries

THE opening events in the next edition of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (CEGORR) has been upgraded in status and is now on par with some of the most famous racing in world cycling.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), which governs the sport globally, has listed the men’s and women’s Surf Coast Classic (SCC) as ProSeries events in 2026.

The second tier of elite cycling, the UCI ProSeries features long-standing events such as the Brussels Cycling Classic, Scheldeprijs, Paris-Tours and the Tour of Britain.

The men’s and women’s SCC are lead-in events to the main CEGORR race.

Both point-to-point rides will start in Lorne and finish in Torquay, with the men’s race on January 29 covering 157km and the women’s race on January 28 covering 118km.

From the Lorne start, the courses feature a challenging 10km uphill climb inland towards Deans Marsh.

Following the rolling roads of the Surf Coast and country towns, riders will navigate some tricky corners in the slightly downhill run into Torquay.

Crossing Spring Creek, riders will turn left onto The Esplanade for what is often a thrilling sprint finish, such as the wins by Ally Wollaston (women) and Tobias Lund Andresen (men) this year.

SCC race director Scott Sunderland said the ProSeries promotion was a significant honour for both the race, organisers and the wider region.

“With its elevation to ProSeries, the Surf Coast Classic completes the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race event week, enhancing the overall experience for riders, teams, and fans.

“Rider feedback following the 2025 edition was extremely positive; several riders described the Surf Coast Classic as one of the hardest races they have ever contested, reflected in their very high average power outputs.

“I am personally very excited to see the 2026 edition, which will, for the first time, feature all 18 WorldTeams competing for the honours.”

Former Australian pro rider Caleb Ewan welcomed the news, saying many of his most memorable career wins were in UCI ProSeries races.

“Racing for a Belgian team we placed a huge emphasis on ProSeries races like the Brussels Cycling Classic and Scheldeprijs, which I was fortunate to win, while some of my wins in Tour of Turkey really gave my season impetus going into the Giro d’ Italia and the Tour de France.

“The elevation to ProSeries is an enormous show of confidence by the UCI as to what they believe the Surf Coast Classic can be on the world calendar in the years to come.”

For more information, head to cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au