The Surf Coast will be cemented as a key location in Australia’s summer of cycling, with the 2020 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race to launch with Towards Zero Race Torquay.
For the past three years the event has kicked off with a criterium at Albert Park’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix circuit, however the 2020 four-day event will be held exclusively in the Geelong and Surf Coast regions.
Towards Zero Race Torquay will feature world-class racing with the best male and female riders competing on a dynamic course for equal prize money.
The event will start and finish on the Esplanade, overlooking the picturesque Torquay Beach. The rolling roads to the West, combined with the unpredictability of the winds along the coast, will make for an exciting race.
The circuit course, which takes in the start of the Great Ocean Road, will create a festival atmosphere, offering spectators the chance to see the riders multiple times throughout the race.
Towards Zero Race Torquay will open Australia’s premier cycling weekend on Thursday 30 January, before the Family Ride, Swisse People’s Ride and Elite Men’s and Women’s Races take place from Friday 31 January to Sunday 2 February.
The consolidation of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will generate further economic benefit and tourism visitation in the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast regions, increasing the opportunity for cycling enthusiasts, including spectators, teams and Swisse People’s Ride participants to extend their stay over four days.
The Surf Coast is home to some of Australia’s best beaches including the iconic Bells Beach – home of the Rip Curl Pro, an abundance of on- and off-road cycling routes and adventure trails, and laid-back cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect destination for a summer holiday with family and friends.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula MP, declared Towards Zero Race Torquay a coup for the region.
“Race Torquay will make the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race one of the best regional sporting events in Australia, and showcase our beautiful Great Ocean Road region to the world,” Minister Pakula said.
Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Rose Hodge was excited to welcome another event as part of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race extravaganza.
“We’re delighted to add Towards Zero Race Torquay to our major events calendar and we can’t wait to see the Surf Coast showcased to a global audience,” Cr Hodge said.
“The Surf Coast will be buzzing even more with the inclusion of this event, as cycling enthusiasts – including spectators, teams and Swisse People’s Ride participants – stay in our region and take in all it has to offer.
“As proud supporters of women’s sport, we’re especially excited that Towards Zero Race Torquay will offer equal prizemoney in the men’s and women’s events.”
TAC Senior Manager, Engagement, Meg Jacobs also welcomed the announcement.
“We are excited to see this event evolve into what will be an incredible weekend of cycling and festivities across Geelong and the Surf Coast,” Jacobs said.
“Partnering with these fantastic events is an important opportunity for us to work with the bike riding community, promote safe cycling habits and talk about how we all play a role in road safety.”
Save the Date
The 2020 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will be held from January 30 – February 2, 2020.