FAQ

The Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (MCEGORR) is Australia’s first UCI WorldTour one-day classic, established in 2015 and inspired by Europe’s most prestigious races. Owned by Visit Victoria—the State’s primary tourism and events company—the event showcases Victoria’s stunning Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road while attracting global attention. Visit Victoria’s purpose is to inspire people to explore Melbourne and regional Victoria through captivating stories and world-class events, and MCEGORR is a perfect example of that vision.

Late January each year, sometimes extending into early February depending on the UCI WorldTour calendar. In 2026, it will be held in the week of 28 January – 1 February.

Driving: When driving, Geelong is an easy 60-minute drive along the Princes Freeway from Melbourne. There is no designated parking for the event so it is advised to plan ahead.

Public Transport: V-Line services depart regularly to Geelong from Southern Cross Station, a scenic 60-minute journey from Melbourne’s CBD. Arriving at Geelong Station is the most practical option, as it is only a 10-minute walk to Steampacket Gardens and the Start/Finish line.

Flying: Melbourne and Geelong are serviced by two airports. Melbourne International Airport at Tullamarine is a 60-minute drive from Geelong using the connecting freeway networks. Avalon Airport, located 30 minutes to the north of Geelong’s city centre services domestic airlines Jetstar and internationally, AirAsia.

Ferry: Departing twice daily from Docklands, cruise direct to Geelong Waterfront and the finish line of the race. The 400 seater vessel has an onboard café and free wi-fi. Book online 

Parking: Off-road car parks on the race route will be accessible if the road is open, however, please be aware that there may be restricted access to and from the car parks.

Please click here for further details on how to plan your journey.

Explore our Visit page on the website for accommodation recommendations. This provides an overview of the regions along the different race routes and a link to booking.com.

You can purchase TAC People’s Ride gear through the Santini Australia website, and Event Merchandise through BikeChain.

In 2025, more than 120,000 people attended the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Read more here.

Cadel raced in the inaugural event in 2015, which marked his final professional bike race. Since Cadel’s retirement, each year he joins more than 3,000 participants in the TAC People’s Ride.

The event offers opportunities for both elite athletes and the community.

The Surf Coast Classic, a professional point-to-point race for elite men’s and women’s teams, launches the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race week.

Suggestions for bike choices may include road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, hybrid bikes and cross bikes. eBikes on all distances are allowed too, given our event is a non-competitive recreational ride.

We encourage the use of eBikes for the 63km event only, due to battery duration and inability to charge on course. Participants must ensure bikes are well maintained and fit for use in the TAC People’s Ride.

Speed groups are critically important to ensure that you have the best start possible and to minimise the amount of overtaking needed in the first part of the ride. Please help everyone’s experience by selecting the most realistic and appropriate average speed that you will complete the entire ride at. The categories are: 15-20km/h, 20-25km/h, 25-30km/h, 30-35km/h, 35+km/h.

The TAC People’s Ride is staged on open roads. This means that all riders must always abide by the Australian road rules. Failure to do so is at the risk of the participant and may result in the participant being removed from the ride.

For equipment, you are required to bring a puncture repair kit, spare inner tubes, a pump, rear tail light, fully charged and working mobile phone, adequate ride nutrition, and water bottles/carriers. We encourage you to wear your free rider jersey made by Santini that you receive as part of your entry to the ride.

Yes. For the safety of participants and as a courtesy of local residents, a ‘cut off’ policy does apply to the TAC People’s Ride.

While speed details are being confirmed for the 2026 TAC People’s Ride, in the past, riders have needed to maintain an average speed of 18km/hr.

Participants can choose to withdraw or transfer their entry. Participants can either receive:

• A full credit transfer to the next event date, or
• A refund of registration fees minus an administration fee of 25%

Refunds will be offered until 24 December 2025, 5pm. From this point, transfers will only be available to participants who have not yet received their Rider Kit or eTicket.

Participants must notify the event organiser in writing at [email protected] prior to the dates listed above.

For full agreement details, please refer to the terms and conditions listed in the RaceRoster registration portal.

To upgrade or downgrade your distance, please visit the registration portal here or email us at [email protected].

The free GeelongPort Family Ride is a 1.6km circuit along the beautiful Geelong Waterfront, offering the whole family a fun, safe, and memorable cycling experience!
Whether it’s on two wheels or three, the ride is perfect for all family members aged four and over. Zoom past the official Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race Start/Finish line gantry – just like the pros! Kids love leaving their parents in the dust!

GeelongPort is proud to support the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race as the official event partner of the GeelongPort Family Ride, helping bring the community together through this iconic cycling experience.

Learn more about the GeelongPort Family Ride here.

Children and adults of all abilities are welcome to take part. The ride is non-competitive, allowing families, carers, and support riders to ride together. Age and supervision details are required and must be provided during registration.

Participants may use human-powered cycling equipment, including handcycles, adaptive cycles or tricycles, tandem bikes, and other approved adaptive cycling equipment. All equipment must be safe and suitable for group riding.

Motorised or electric devices are not permitted. Neither are scooters, skateboards, or rollerblades. If you are unsure whether your equipment is suitable, please contact us before registering.

Yes, you may ride with a support rider or guide if needed. This may be helpful if you are blind or have low vision, have a physical, intellectual, or neurological disability, or require additional support to ride safely. Please let us know during registration.

Support riders must register with the person they are supporting, stay with them throughout the ride, follow all event rules, and ride safely and respectfully at all times.

Leisure Networks staff and volunteers will be onsite at the GeelongPort Family Ride. If you need assistance on the day, visit a Leisure Networks team member at the orange tent, where they can help with directions, facilities, or general support.

If you have questions or need support prior to the event, please
contact [email protected] or [email protected]