Welcome Wave welcomed back

THE Welcome Wave will be welcomed back to the Surf Coast next week as the Surf Coast Shire celebrates the world’s best female cyclists taking part in this year’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (CEGORR).

To be held for the first time since 2020, the Wednesday, January 25 event at the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club will officially welcome competitors in the Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race.

It will start with a Wadawurrung Welcome to Country, followed by a dinner with Tour de France winner and CEGORR founder Cadel Evans, who will help celebrate the teams competing in the UCI Women’s WorldTour event on January 28.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison said she was excited to give the cyclists a warm Surf Coast welcome.

“We’re delighted the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is returning after a couple of pandemic-interrupted years.

“I’ve heard the Welcome Wave has been a highlight for the elite women cyclists in past years. This year will include a moving Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, a relaxed dinner with special guest Cadel and some fun activities.

“These athletes are fantastic role models, so we’re pleased to team up with official event partner Deakin University to provide the cyclists with the praise and recognition they deserve.”

The Elite Women’s Road Race is likely to pass through Torquay between 1.30-2.15pm on January 28.

In 2023, the course will be run in reverse to previous years. Riders still start and finish in Geelong, and first wind through the hinterland townships of Moriac and Modewarre, past Bells Beach, Torquay and then on to Barwon Heads and the Bellarine Peninsula. Torquay will also host a sprint section for points along The Esplanade between Price Street and Anderson Street.

The Elite Men’s Road Race will be held on January 29, and expected to pass through Torquay between 12.15-1pm. There will be a rolling road closure for both elite races, with Victoria Police to close roads ahead of the race and progressively re-open them after cyclists and support vehicles have passed.

“The rolling road closure is expected to pass through in 15 to 20 minutes and we appreciate our community’s patience to allow the event to progress smoothly,” Cr Pattison said.

“The Cadel race strengthens our status as Regional Victoria’s premier events destination. It also delivers incredible social and economic benefits, showcasing the Surf Coast to a global audience through the race coverage.”

For more information on CEGORR, including the full course so spectators can plan where they watch the race, head to cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au