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UCI WorldTour Elite Men’s Road Race
2 February 2020
You can’t beat the buzz of a WorldTour cycling event. In fact, there aren’t many other sports on the planet that get you as close to the action – for free. And, when it’s first one-day classic on the UCI calendar, get ready to be impressed!
Race Details
Distance: 171km*
2019 winner: Elia Viviani (Deceuninck – Quick Step)
Average speed: 41.8 km/h
Entry: Free to watch
What they say
“I really love the course. That short climb is really spectacular, because it’s short everyone is not afraid to attack. I really want to go back every year.”
Elia Viviani (Deceuninck – Quick Step), 2019 winner
“To finish my last race in Australia before heading back to Europe with this win, I’m speechless.”
Jay McCarthy (BORA – hansgrohe), 2018 winner
“It’s nice on the loops, it’s selective, but still a sprint I can win.”
Nikias Arndt (Team Sunweb), 2017 winner
“We are proud to support the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Locals and cycling fans from across Australia will get to see some of the world’s best riders in action over four days.”
Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria
The Course
Elite Men's
Elite Womens
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 finish.
*Start time and course subject to changes
Barwon Heads
Race highlight
Look for the Bellarine Breakaway as the peloton flies down the main street. When the race changes direction and hugs the coast at Thirteenth Beach, riders will position themselves against the testing coastal conditions.
Where to watch
Big crowds gather in Cadel’s hometown right alongHitchcock Avenue, or you can head to the official race cheer site in town to see the action up close.
While in town
Grab a bite from Annie’s Provedore and Produce Store. And if golf is your go, Barwon Heads is home to three of Australia’s top 50 public access courses.
Torquay & the Surf Coast
Race highlight
The Surf Coast Sprint is always electric as riders vie for points in the first intermediate sprint of the day. After charging down the Esplanade, the race then hits the famous Great Ocean Road.
Where to watch
Take up a spot anywhere along the Esplanade or head to the official Surf Coast Sprint cheer site.
While in town
Cool off in the pristine ocean, see the interactive displays at the Australian National Surfing Museum, and refuel at any of the famous local eateries.
Bells Beach
Race highlight
The rolling hills towards the coast will begin to test the peloton. Here, riders compete for the first King of the Mountain prize.
Where to watch
The official cheer site is perfectly positioned to take in the action at the summit before the course begins to loop back towards Geelong.
While in town
Follow the stairs from the cliff tops down to the beach, home to the World Surf League Rip Curl Pro. Experience the renowned natural beauty, wildlife and surf for yourself.
Geelong
Race highlight
As the race re-enters Geelong, teams start strategising for the finale. The Challambra Climb is punchy and testing – first made famous in the 2010 UCI Road Worlds. The fastest point in the race comes with the Scenic Road decent where riders touch 85 km/h before coming into Queens Park.
Where to watch
Local street parties up Challambra Crescent make for an atmosphere like the spring classics of Europe, while the Challambra King of the Mountain live site is guaranteed to be pumping.
While in town
Take a walk through the picturesque reserve ofQueens Park set on the banks of the Barwon River. BBQ and picnic facilities can be enjoyed (after the race of course!).
Waterfront Finish
Race highlight
Look for the bunch sprint finish along the Geelong waterfront that will test the teams right to the end.
Where to watch
Line the finishing straight or watch from the Steampacket Gardens live site where big screens, food and drink stands, and all the festivities will be in full swing.
While in town
The Esplanade is brimming with cafes, bars and restaurants, which all open their doors to race-goers who are ready to reminisce.
Join us in Geelong and on the Surf Coast for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Start planning your weekend.