From Geelong out to the Bellarine and Barwon Heads

From the traditional start/finish line at Steampacket Gardens, the peloton heads east to Curlewis, then turns southward past Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve – one of Victoria’s most significant wetland areas and one of the largest estuaries in the state.

Flat and fast, the peloton passes through Ocean Grove, racing across the Barwon Heads Bridge and through Cadel’s home base of Barwon Heads.

Hugging the picturesque Thirteenth Beach coastline – where crosswinds often pick up – the race continues towards Torquay.

Torquay and the Surf Coast 

In the bustling township of Torquay, the riders take centre stage, charging along The Esplanade with big crowds along the iconic waterfront. The beach at Torquay has long been a much-loved escape for Melbournians and visitors from around the world.

Turning up Bell Street, the riders travel along the back of Jan Juc westward.

The descent past the world-renowned Bells Beach is matched by the steep climb up and away from the cliffs. From there, the peloton begins a steady uphill trajectory northward to the small township of Moriac.

The climb from Moriac to Barrabool

Heading inland from the coast, the riders turn sharply at the Moriac General Store as they continue their steady climb to Barrabool.

These tranquil countryside roads represent a strategic location to apply pressure to the peloton as the race nears the halfway point.

Peaking at 188m above sea level, the race turns east at Gnarwarre Road, headed toward the historic township of Ceres, and back into the city of Geelong.

Challambra Crescent Climb

The arrival back into Geelong signals the start of four 21km circuits for the elite men, and an arrival onto the finishing circuits with a gruelling 68km still to travel. 

Descending from Wandana Heights, the peloton makes a quick turn onto Barwon Boulevard, and the beginning of the infamous climb up Challambra Crescent.

The ascent first made famous at the 2010 UCI Road World Championships always play a pivotal role in the race. 1km from the Barwon Boulevard roundabout to the top, riders will climb 87m at an average gradient of 8.7%, peaking at an eye-watering 11% in the final section.

Each summit marks the opportunity to capture points for the coveted KOM title. The roar of the crowd and the electric atmosphere on the hill has fans in a frenzy – this is one spectator point not to be missed!