Deakin University Elite Women’s Race Returns To Free-to-Air TV In 2019

The Deakin University Elite Women’s Race will return to free-to-air TV in 2019, with Channel 7 broadcasting the race live and in full on 7TWO.

Eleven international teams have been confirmed for the women’s UCI 1.1 classification race, including Australian powerhouse Mitchelton-SCOTT.

International teams Trek – Segafredo, Astana Women’s Team, Doltcini – Van Eyck Sport, Swapit Agolico and Rally Cycling will compete in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race event for the first time.

Reigning champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Australia’s Chloe Hosking, will return to defend her crown with Italian cycling team Ale Cipollini.

President of the UCI Women’s Commission, UCI Oceania Federation and CEO of Respect Victoria, Tracey Gaudry, said the elite field of 15 teams formed an impressive line-up.

“We will welcome the world’s fastest female riders to Geelong for the 2019 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race with an impressive field of 15 teams entering the event,” Gaudry said.

“I’m also delighted that the Deakin University Elite Women’s race, a hotly contested fixture on the UCI women’s road cycling calendar, will be broadcast live and free on 7TWO in 2019.”

“To have the support of the Seven Network is credit to the organisers and competitors of this world-class event.”

The Deakin University Elite Women’s Race was last broadcast live and in full on the Seven Network in 2017.

Deakin University Vice Chancellor Jane den Hollander welcomed the announcement that the network would broadcast the elite women’s event in 2019.

“We’re delighted to be the naming rights partner for the Deakin University Elite Women’s Race in 2019,” den Hollander said.

“Deakin University is a determined and enthusiastic supporter of women’s sport and this event aligns with our aims of inspiring women to achieve at the highest possible level in whatever they choose to do.”

“I commend Channel 7 for returning the Deakin University Elite Women’s Race to free-to-air television in 2019, giving our female cyclists the exposure that they deserve.”

Founder of Team TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank and Silicon Valley Cycling Foundation, Linda Jackson, said the broadcast announcement was a positive step forward for women’s cycling and broader women’s sport.

“I am thrilled that the Deakin University Elite Women’s Race will be broadcast live on television in Australia,” Jackson said.

“Live television coverage is exactly what our sport needs to continue its growth.”

“It’s very exciting for all of the stakeholders in this sport; athletes, fans, bike manufacturers and sponsors, to see women’s cycling on the path to reaching its much deserved potential.”

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is a four-day event that begins in Albert Park, before traveling to Geelong and the Surf Coast from 24 January – 27 January, 2019.

It is regarded as one of the leading one-day Classic races outside of Europe and is the opening one-day race of the UCI WorldTour calendar.

It is an initiative of Visit Victoria, endorsed by the Victorian State Government and a pillar of Australia’s major events calendar.

Full team list below.

2019 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race Women’s Teams