Ring your bell at Cadel’s race this year

THE sounds of bells will be ringing across the Surf Coast and into the hinterland on the last weekend of this month, when people gather at Cheer Sites to watch the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

World-class cycling teams will contest the Elite Women’s Race on January 27 and the Elite Men’s Race on Sunday 28 January. The Swisse People’s Ride will also be held on January 27.

There are more than 30 Cheer Sites in the Surf Coast, spread from Torquay town centre through to the hinterland. Businesses will be race ready with bells to give to people to ring in the cyclists.

“We’re fortunate to have this major international sporting event in our backyard,” shire mayor David Bell said.

“If you’re thinking about where to watch the race, I encourage you to head down to one of the cafes or shops, have something to eat and drink and enjoy all the action from the world’s top cyclists.”

Spectators at Cheer Sites are encouraged to wear Cadel blue (aqua) or to deck themselves out in a costume.

“The Cheer Sites were full of colour in 2017. People were proud to ring the Cadel bells and cheer on the cyclists as they went past,” Cr Bell said.

“Last year we also saw a man inspired by the Tour de France, as he dressed up as Santa and ran beside the peloton on the King of the Mountain overlooking Bells Beach. In the years prior, we’ve had lions and surf lifesavers.”

Cyclists will come through Torquay on January 27 from about 8am onwards for the People’s Ride and between noon and 2pm for the Elite Women’s Race. The Elite Men’s Race will pass through Torquay between noon and 2pm on January 28.

For a list of Surf Coast Cheer Sites, head to cheercadeltorquay.com.