The 2021 dates are yet to be confirmed. Please ensure you keep up to date with all news and event announcements by subscribing to the newsletter.
Tell us how you’re riding out the pandemic for a chance to win a signed Cadel Evans jersey.
The 2021 dates are yet to be confirmed. Please ensure you keep up to date with all news and event announcements by subscribing to the newsletter.
Inspired by Europe’s prestigious one-day classic races, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (CEGORR) is the first of its kind in Australia and was rapidly embraced at a local and international level as a unique competition and spectator experience.
The CEGORR is a four-day international event where spectators can get up close to the world’s best teams and elite riders competing in the UCI WorldTour Elite Men’s race and the UCI Women’s WorldTour Deakin University Elite Women’s race.
The action-packed four-day cycling festival kicks offs off with the Towards Zero Race Torquay which was introduced in 2020 for the elite riders, and spans through to an epic weekend including two participation events – the VEGEMITE Family Ride and the Swisse People’s Ride, followed by the UCI WorldTour Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race and concludes with the UCI WorldTour Elite Men’s Race.
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 in the Melbourne 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. Services may be altered on Saturday 26th of January due to the Australia Day Public Holiday.
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 Tiger Airways 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 on board 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.
For further details, please click here
The climate in January / February can be characterised as warm to hot. Day time temperatures will generally reach highs of 26°C (79°F), while the night temperature will drop to around 16°C (61°F).
The average daily relative humidity for February is around 65%, with the average monthly rainfall being approximately 36mm. Please consult the weather forecast closer to the event for further details.
Explore the Visit page on the website. This provides an overview of the regions along the different race route and a link to booking.com.
Rolling road closures ensure the roads are only closed for as long as is absolutely necessary. The rolling road closure is expected to pass through within a maximum of 15-20 minutes. However, in order to keep the route safe and clear of traffic, it must be supported by road closures at key locations.
The restricted access on the race route itself will be supported by limited road closures. Please expect these closures to be in place for approximately 60 minutes on Saturday 1 February 2020 and approximately 2-3 hours on Sunday 2 February 2020. Local access will be maintained but through traffic should avoid travelling on the race route during these periods.
Roads will progressively reopen when the road authorities and organisers consider it safe to do so. With limited infrastructure along the race route this process is expected to be an efficient one.
If you are passing through Geelong or wanting to get from A to B in Geelong, avoiding the race route and using Melbourne Rd/Latrobe Terrace/Settlement Rd/Surf Coast Hwy (as this avoids the race route) where possible will ensure access can be maintained and minimise any delays.
Please find detailed information on all road closures at the website here.
All residents and businesses on the race route are encouraged to plan ahead and limit local access where possible, during the event periods.
While the roads are closed and the races are passing through, road users will not be able to drive through barriers or road closures. Advance notice of the date, time and location of road closures will be provided to those directly affected as well as more widely via the event website. By taking note of this information, businesses and residents will be able to consider their delivery and servicing needs, including re-scheduling deliveries to when access is available. Emergency vehicles will have access to all areas at all times.
A traffic management plan will be shared closer to the event.
Access restrictions will depend on the location and the time that the races pass through. Local access will be maintained for as long as possible and every effort will be made to facilitate your movement if it is safe to do so. These restrictions will be put in place to balance the smooth running of the races, maintaining the safety of all concerned and limiting the impact on the community where possible.
Emergency vehicles will have access to all areas at all times.
Residents and businesses directly affected will receive additional and specific information. An enquiries service will be available to those who have specific access considerations and queries. Details will be shared via the event website and within resident/business information. A traffic management plan will also be shared closer to the event.
To safely deliver these world-class sporting events, the routes must be secure and vehicle-free. This protects both participants and spectators and involves temporary road closures and parking restrictions in affected areas.
Detailed information will be communicated to those located on affected roads and information will be available on the event website.
The 2021 dates are yet to be confirmed. Please ensure you keep up to date with all news and event announcements by subscribing to the newsletter.
The Swisse People’s Ride is the mass participation event within the Cadel Evens Great Ocean Road Race weekend. Participants can ride the same roads as the professionals in three course lengths – 35km, 65km or 115km as you take in the scenic views along the Geelong foreshore and Bellarine Peninsula.
Exclusive to the 115km course, the Challambra Climb provides a challenge both mentally and physically. The 850-metre ascent features in the elite Men’s and Women’s races where the atmosphere is electric!
The ride is presented by Swisse who’s mission is to make millions of people around the world healthier and happier through three pillars of lifelong wellness – Mindfulness, Movement, and Nutrition.
The 2021 dates are yet to be confirmed. Pricing for all three courses will be released once these have been announced.
Riders must be over the age of 12 by the event date in order to register. A Rider under the age of 14 on the event date may only participate in the Short (35km) distance event. Rider’s over the age of 14 on the event date are able to participate in the Middle (65km) Distance and Long (115km) Distance Events.
There is no maximum age limit for riders.
If you are having trouble with your application, please email peoplesrideinfo@cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au
You will receive a response within 2 business days.
Suggestions for bike choices may include road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, hybrid bikes and cross bikes. Participants must ensure bikes are well maintained and fit for use in the People’s Ride.
Only human powered bicycles are permitted to enter the People’s Ride including hand cycles. For the avoidance of doubt, the following are not permitted: (a) tri‐bars on bicycles; (b) motorcycles, scooters and motorised or power‐assisted bicycles; (c) vehicles; (d) electronic bicycles; (e) any attachments attached to the back of a bicycle including (but not limited to) trailers, child carriers and chairs used to carry children.
Hand bikes are permitted when required because of a disability. Participants sharing a bicycle, such as a tandem, must register each rider individually.
During the registration process, cyclists can nominate the same speed group. On the event day, if participants wish to ride with a fellow friend or family member, the participant in the faster speed group is able to drop down to a slower group. Please note riders are not permitted to move up to faster speed groups.
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 by selecting the most realistic and appropriate average speed that you will complete the entire ride at. Categories are as follows: 15-20km/h, 21-25km/h, 26-30km/h, 31-35km/h, 36+km/h.
Yes. All participants must wear an Australian Standards Certified helmet as per Victorian road rules.
The People’s Ride is staged on open roads; therefore, all riders must abide by the Australian road rules always. Failure to do so is at the risk of the participant and may result in the participant being removed from the ride.
Yes, this includes your rider jersey, a puncture repair kit, spare inner tubes, pump, rear tail light, fully charged and working mobile phone, adequate ride nutrition, and water bottles/carriers.
The 2021 dates are yet to be confirmed. Please ensure you keep up to date with all news and event announcements by subscribing to the newsletter.
The free VEGEMITE Family Ride is a 1.6km circuit along the Geelong Waterfront to give the whole family a great experience to ride like the pros!
Whether it’s on three wheels or two the VEGEMITE Family Ride is for all members of the family, large and small. Pass under the official Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race start/finish line gantry – just like the pros! Kids see if you can leave the parents in the dust.
VEGEMITE is Australia’s most iconic brand, and is proud to join forces with Cadel Evans as the official spreads partner of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. VEGEMITE is the unique blend that Tastes Like Australia and we are thrilled to cheer on participants from both near and far.
Entry to the VEGEMITE Family Ride is free for all!
Riders must be older than 3 on the day of the event to ride the course.
The 2021 dates are yet to be confirmed. Please ensure you keep up to date with all news and event announcements by subscribing to the newsletter.
Towards Zero Race Torquay is the official precursor event to the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and is a UCI 1.1 classification 13km circuit race, held in the Surf Coast town of Torquay. The 13km circuit gives fans a chance to get up close to the world’s fastest men’s and women’s riders in one of Australia’s most dynamic cycling events. Starting and finishing on The Esplanade, the circuit follows a clockwise direction with the peloton racing along Bell Street before hitting the Great Ocean Road, Duffields and Messmate Roads.
You can expect fast and dynamic racing, with the riders guaranteed to be attacking as they punch over the two short climbs on the back of the circuit. The peloton then heads back via South Beach Road, and there’s a quick descent to Horseshoe Bend Road.
The riders battle it out in the Surf Coast Times Super Sprints on laps 3 and 6. The winner-takes-all format for the intermediate sprints will see the racing heat up early with a cash prize up for grabs. From there, it’s all about line honours in the heart of Torquay.
Race Torquay is proudly presented by TAC and the Surf Coast Shire. Riding towards zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads the Transport Accident Commission’s Towards Zero vision is for zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Together we can ride towards a future where every journey is a safe one.
The Surf Coast boasts some of Australia’s most famous beaches and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Torquay is the official start of the Great Ocean Road – a special place to drive and cycle. The Surf Coast is honoured to be part of this international event so close to Cadel’s heart.
Learn more about the Towards Zero Race Torquay here.
Towards Zero Race Torquay is a UCI 1.1 classification.
The Start/Finish precinct will be held on the Esplanade, overlooking famous Torquay Beach. With great food and drinks on offer, a big screen and sea views, this is one of the best spots to watch elite cycling in the world.
Alternatively, you could head to one of the many great cafes, bars and restaurants along the Esplanade and Bell St for another great view of the world class athletes racing.
For those who live on the course, we encourage you to host a BBQ in your front yard with your friends and cheer on the riders! What better way to enjoy a summer’s afternoon than watching the world’s best cyclists racing down your own street!
Yes, the more atmosphere that can be created around the course the better. Please keep in mind the safety for your attendees and also the riders and event staff in your planning.
Yes, rolling road closures will take place around the course allowing residents, visitors and local business to travel in and out of Torquay. There will be some delays due to the race, however these will be kept to a minimum.
The Start/Finish area of the course and a small section of The Esplanade will be closed for the duration of the event. Further details on the timings and recommended routes will be provided closer to the event.
Details will be communicated via the event website closer to the event.
Public transport connections are available via V-Line to Marshall Station, Geelong followed by the bus service to Torquay. Alternatively, visitors can drive via the Princes Freeway to Torquay.
For further details, please click here.
Yes, rolling road closures will take place around the course allowing residents, visitors and local business to travel in and out of Torquay. There will be some delays due to the race, however these will be kept to a minimum.
The Start/Finish area of the course and a small section of The Esplanade will be closed for the duration of the event. Further details on the timings and recommended routes will be provided closer to the event.
Please email the team through the Contact Us page, with your details and a brief overview of your proposal.
The 2021 dates are yet to be confirmed. Please ensure you keep up to date with all news and event announcements by subscribing to the newsletter.
In an Australian first, the UCI WWT Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race opened the UCI Women’s WorldTour calendar for 2020.
The race departs Geelong waterfront and charges towards the Surf Coast. After passing Bells Beach, riders veer off the Great Ocean Road and loop back to where the celebrated Challambra Climb awaits before heading back towards Steampacket Gardens for a screaming finish.
The Elite Women’s Race is proudly sponsored by Deakin University. Deakin University offers a personalised experience, enhanced by an innovative digital environment. The university leads by creating opportunities to live and work in a connected, evolving world.
Read more about the Elite Women’s Race here.
The first of the one-day classics the Elite Men’s Race produces hair-raising cycling along some of Australia’s most iconic coast lines. Race director Scott Sunderland designed the course in consultation with Cadel Evans keeping the early season timing in mind.
There can be a fast and sometimes windy start to the race along the exposed roadways before technical sections including city circuits, four times over the Challambra Climb and an electric sprint to the finish.
Highlights of the race include the decent off the Challambra climb where speeds of 85km/h are reached before coming through Queens Park. The Surf Coast Sprint is a high intensity race for points in the first intermediate sprint of the day.
Read more about the Elite Men’s Race here.
The event will be televised on the Seven Network. Broadcast information will be available closer to the event.
The Elite Men’s and Elite Women’s Races are invitation only races:
With some of Victoria’s most spectacular scenery as its backdrop, the Race starts Geelong and travels through Cadel Evan’s hometown of Barwon Heads, passing through Thirteenth Beach, Torquay, Bells Beach, the rolling hills around Moriac with a dramatic finish on Geelong’s Waterfront.
Specific details of the course can be found here.
The proposed course has been designed by retired elite cyclist, Scott Sunderland, with consultation and guidance from Cadel Evans. The course includes elements of the very successful 2010 UCI Road World Championships course.
Car parks will not be accessible whilst the road is closed (including during a rolling road closure). Please ensure if you park your car in a car park on the race route, you do not need to exit until the road closure has been removed.
A traffic management plan will be shared closer to the event.
Please email the team through the Contact Us page, with your details and a brief overview of your proposal.