Cadel Evans anticipates another great race

The first Great Ocean Road race was also Cadel Evans' final professional race. Photo: CON CHRONIS

CADEL Evans is out and about in the lead up to the 2020 race that bears his name, with the 2011 Tour de France winner at the forefront of promoting the various rides in the four-day event.

As a Barwon Heads resident, Evans said he was extremely familiar with the roads in the area, including those that the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – which includes the debut Race Torquay this year – will be held on.

“I used to do my pre-season out of Barwon Heads for the last 14 years of my career, so I know the roads very, very well.

“All my seasons were built on the base of kilometres done on these same roads: the climb coming into the circuit and riding along 13th Beach or part of the race routes. It’s where I’ve done all my training and where I still ride today.”

The inaugural Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in 2015 was doubly special to Evans as it was the final race of his professional career.

Since then the race has grown steadily with the help of Evans’ endorsement, with it becoming part of the UCI WorldTour in 2017.

Evans said he was proud to be part of organising the event.

“Having a race out here is an honour. To be able to bring world cycling to the community and give something back to the local community with sport to me is a privilege and also something very unique and special.”

“A lot of people come down and say, ‘I didn’t know it was so beautiful down here.’ In terms of promoting our area and our region, I think it’s a great idea.”

The 2019 Elite Women’s Race was won by Cuban cyclist Arlenis Sierra and the Elite Men’s Race by Italian Elia Viviani, and both will return for the 2020 event.

Australian rider Caleb Ewan was second to Viviani this year, but Evans said he was hopeful that this time Ewan can move to the top of the podium.

“I like to think Caleb Ewan can come back and go one better next year.”