Total elevation gain: 1091m

Max elevation: 166m

The Cadel Classic is a true one-day cycling course, taking in some of the most beautiful coastal views Victoria has to offer.

An adjustment to the route in 2025 extends the course by 11km.

Again in 2025, our long course gives riders the flexibility of tackling or bypassing the famed Challambra Climb.

Just like the elite men and women in our UCI WorldTour One-Day Classics, and riders at the 2010 UCI Road World Championships, you can experience first-hand the challenge of what the punchy and pivotal 830-metre ascent presents.

Heading south from Geelong to Barwon Heads, the route winds its way through Thirteenth Beach, Torquay and past Bells Beach, before taking on the rolling hills of the Surf Coast Shire.

Finishing on the famous Geelong waterfront, celebrate your ride at the Steampacket Gardens Event Village, or find a vantage spot along the course to catch the Deakin University Women’s Race as the world’s best riders race for glory.

A buzzing start in Geelong

When you don the lycra in Geelong, you’ll instantly feel part of our wonderful cycling family.

The music, entertainment and atmosphere at our famous waterfront start line will have you buzzing as thousands of cyclists join Cadel for the start of the 2025 TAC People’s Ride!

“I love the atmosphere and excitement of the entire ride. The Geelong Waterfront is the perfect location to start and cross the finish line!” – Vin

A smooth ride to Barwon Heads

From the waterfront start, you’ll head around Eastern Park, south via Boundary and Breakwater Roads to the smooth surface of Barwon Heads Road.

Passing through Charlemont and Armstrong Creek, you’ll make the trip toward Cadel’s home base, Barwon Heads.

As you pass (or stop for a break at) the buzzing Barwon Heads Hotel and café at the roundabout, the course takes you toward the picturesque Thirteenth Beach coastline.

Epic views at Thirteenth Beach and Bells Beach

Your chance to ride along the world-famous surf coast, our long course passes through this iconic region overlooking magnificent ocean views and the natural saltmarsh environment.

The Surf Coast is both breathtaking and physically challenging as crosswinds can pick up. But there’s a great chance to test your threshold as you enter Torquay and join the Great Ocean Road.

A climb up from Bells Beach is one of Australia’s most iconic stretches of road that is not to be missed.

Rolling hills of Mount Moriac and Ceres await

Turning left off the Great Ocean Road, the course steadily climbs to the township of Moriac via Hendy Main Road.

Riders will tackle a sharp incline to the summit of Mount Moriac, and the rolling country roads to the hilltop town of Ceres at 166m elevation.

Challenging Challambra and the ride down to Geelong 

Here, you’ll have the option to turn left onto Scenic Road or descend to Barwon Boulevard – the route to ride the famed Challambra Climb.

Riders who opt for Challambra will once again experience the ultimate high – both physically and mentally. Taking on the same 83-metre ascent as the pros, you’ll ride past Montpellier Park where an Aid Station is available. From here, both routes will speed past Queens Park and turn left to ride further pinch up Melville Avenue.

The course then continues up Minerva Road, connecting through to Church Street, travelling through residential Geelong, past the Victorian houses, over the Highway and onto the Geelong waterfront.