Evans loves sweet sign idea at chocolaterie

TOUR De France winner Cadel Evans has given the tick of approval to a sweet promotion at one of the cheer sites for this weekend’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (CEGORR).

The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery in Bellbrae is using about 500 of its one-kilogram blocks of chocolate to spell out a CADEL ♥ CHOCOLATE sign on its grounds, which will be highly visible to the TV helicopters following the cyclists. Evans rode from his home in Barwon Heads to the chocolaterie on Monday to inspect the sign as it was under construction, and lent a hand to add a few blocks himself.

“This reminds me of measuring up carpet for my house,” he joked.

“I’d like to thank the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery for their support, involvement, passion and vision.

“What an amazing, inspiring, fun place to enjoy alongside all the beauty this amazing region of ours brings us and our wonderful race.”

The chocolaterie already has an association with the cyclist, creating CEGORR’s official souvenir chocolate block for last year’s event.

Inspired by Evans’ love of dark chocolate and his favourite ingredients (cherries, coconut and pistachios), the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Chocolate comes with packaging designed by Anglesea painter Becca Mitchell.

“We were so thrilled to support the Great Ocean Road Race and all that it brings to the community, so when Cadel asked if there was a way we could do something together to highlight the Surf Coast even more we jumped at the chance,” chocolaterie managing director Leanne Neeland said.

“The live site idea using our mega 1kg bars will be taking our sweet friendship up a gear – but we can’t wait to create it and share the fun with our visitors and spectators of the race, as well as show off the official chocolate made in Cadel’s honour.”