Great Ocean Road ride braces for another bumper year

MORE than 3,000 cyclists will embark on this year’s Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Surf Coast.

O2 Events director and lead organiser of the classic, Jordan O’Neill, says this Saturday’s event outlook is looking to be a promising one.

“We’re very lucky that this event is going to look very similar to 2023 in terms of numbers, the weekend, time of the year, and scale,” Mr O’Neill said.

“We have about 3,300 registered cyclists for this year’s ride and with the weather available to us, we’re just grateful to be back down on the Surf Coast this year for what will be an exciting day of cycling.”

The Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride will take riders through towns such as Moriac, Deans Marsh, Skenes Creek, and Lorne, while the start and finishing point of the event will remain in Torquay, similar to previous classics.

Registrations for the 204km route sold out last week, indicating a strong retention of interest in the event compared to previous years, but Mr O’Neill says the event format will remain largely unchanged for 2024.

“We don’t have any notable changes for this year’s edition, we’re pretty settled in with the three courses format, the Epic 204km, the Classic 145km, and the Recreational 60km routes,” Mr O’Neill said.

“I suppose with Anzac Day this week, people might have chosen to take a bit of a long weekend to explore the region, but nevertheless it looks like we’re in for a good one.”

Registered riders can collect stickers and jerseys at Elephant Walk Reserve prior to the event between 4pm and 6.30pm tomorrow, or on Saturday before rides begin.

Last minute registrations can still be made prior to Saturday’s event by heading to greatoceanotwayclassic.com.au before 4pm tomorrow.