Viviani and Sierra return for Great Ocean Road Race

Arlenis Sierra and Elia Viviani, who won the women’s and men’s races respectively, both have the chance to become the first rider to win the race twice.

Viviani finished second in the race in 2018 before taking victory earlier this year.

He has since switched to Cofidis Solutions Credits and is eager to make a bright start for his new team.

“I have new motivation, a new team around me and I love this race.

“I want to start next season in the best way possible, that means I want to defend my title.”

The 30 year-old Viviani followed up his success in the Great Ocean Road Race with his first Tour de France stage win in July.

Cuban cyclist Sierra is a two-time winner of the Vuelta Internacional Femenina a Costa Rica and in 2018 won gold in the time trial event at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

The five editions of the men’s race so far have seen riders from five different nationalities take victory, with Jay McCarthy the only Australian to have won it.

Conversely, the women’s race has been won by three different Australians: Rachel Neylan, Amanda Spratt and Chloe Hosking.

The four-day cycling festival will begin on January 30 with Race Torquay, followed by the Family Ride on January 31, the People’s Ride and Elite Women’s Race on February 1, and the Elite Men’s Race on February 2.