The hugely successful Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is back in 2016 and looks set to attract even more of the world’s best cycling teams as the event continues to grow in stature.
Named in his honour – the former world champion and Tour de France winner- Cadel Evans, joined the Victorian Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren in Geelong today, to announce the dates for next year’s event, Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31, 2016.
Minister Eren said the inaugural event in January this year, had been a huge success for Victoria and the local region, attracting some of the world’s best riders and cycling teams to the state.
“The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race gives Victorians and our guests from interstate and abroad a chance to pay tribute to a national sporting icon, and an unprecedented opportunity to ride the renowned circuit themselves.”
“This region is one of the most picturesque settings in world cycling. This is our chance to showcase our natural strengths to the world.”
Having officially retired from competitive cycling following the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in 2015, in 2016, Cadel will join cycling enthusiasts in the Momentum Energy People’s Ride.
“I’m really thrilled that this year’s inaugural event was so well received,” said Cadel, “And delighted that now in my retirement, I’ll be able to join in the excitement of the very popular Momentum Energy People’s Ride. I’d encourage riders to register quickly to ensure they secure a place in this fantastic event.”
The route for the 2016 men’s and women’s elite races remains unchanged. The 2015 races demonstrated it is a challenging and authentic one-day course that allows an attacking style of race, synonymous with the European spring classics.
The race is set to start on Geelong’s waterfront, travel through Cadel Evans’ home town of Barwon Heads, Thirteenth Beach, Torquay, Bells Beach, Moriac and then culminate with a dramatic finish on Geelong’s waterfront.