As we celebrate a decade since Cadel Evans won the 2011 Tour de France, Race Director Scott Sunderland takes a look through the archives at 10 magic Cadel Road Race moments.
From Cadel’s final professional race, the inaugural Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in 2015, to Annemiek van Vlueten’s stella 2017 Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race victory, to Sam Bennett’s circuit domination – we have pinpointed 10 unforgettable memories.
Magic Moment #1 – Cadel farewells fans after finishing fifth in the 2015 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
The event immediately became part of Australian cycling history as it marked Evans’ final professional race. Spectators took to the streets of Geelong in 2015 for the last chance to see Australia’s most decorated cyclist compete. Despite a courageous race Cadel finished fifth, which was testament to the inaugural event’s ability to attract the top-ranking teams and riders. Read more
Magic Moment #2 – Elia Vivani wins the 2019 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Italian superstar Elia Viviani claimed a thrilling victory over Caleb Ewan. He sought redemption after finishing second to Australian Jay McCarthy in the 2018 edition.
Magic Moment #3 – The Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race makes history
The 2020 announcement marked a significant moment for cycling – it became the first women’s one day race in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere to join the prestigious UCI Women’s WorldTour calendar.
Magic Moment #4 – Sam Bennett wins three TAC circuit races
Irish flyer Sam Bennett claimed back-to-back Towards Zero Race Melbourne wins in 2017-18 at the Australian Formula 1™ Grand Prix track. He then took out the inaugural TAC Race Torquay in 2020. What a treat for local fans and event organiser alike!
Magic Moment #5 – Queenslander Jay McCarthy became the first Australian to win our UCI WorldTour Elite Men’s Road Race
Then 25, McCarthy finished in 4h04:00 ahead of a first-class line-up including 12 WorldTour teams. “I’ve been poking my head out of the hotel window all week looking at the finish line thinking about this…it worked perfectly for us,” he said.
Magic Moment #6 – Liane Lippert wins the 2020 Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race
German youngster Liane Lippert soloed to victory in tough conditions. The 22-year-old went on to win the season’s UCI Women’s WorldTour Best Young Rider gong.
Magic Moment #7 – Local favourite Brodie Chapman wins the inaugural TAC Race Torquay
Brodie Chapman (FDJ NOUVELLE – AQUITAINE FUTUROSCOPE) attacked on lap five of the new eight-lap 13.3 kilometre course to blitz the women’s field on day that hit 37 degrees Celsius. She then plunged into the ocean at Torquay Beach to cool off!
Magic Moment #8 – The 2020 Swisse People’s Ride attracted a record field, including the highest number of women riders
More than 3000 riders joined 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans on Saturday 1 February. Thanks to the inaugural This Girl Can Women’s Group – in collaboration with VicHealth and Wheel Women – more women took part in 2020 than ever before. Read more.
Magic Moment #9 – The VEGEMITE® Kids Lead Out
Around 12 of Victoria’s best junior riders join Cadel on the start line of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. “We’re here today for the WorldTour race, but we’re also here for the future,” said Cadel.
Magic Moment #10 – Dutch megastar Annemiek van Vleuten wins the 2017 Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race
The win was overdue fortune for van Vleuten who suffered a horrific crash in the closing kilometres of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games women’s road race. She sustained three fractured vertebrae and a concussion. This was one of the greatest come back rides, ever.
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