The Cadel Classic (113km Course)
Challenge yourself along this one-day classic course
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.
In 2024, the 113km course gives riders the flexibility of tackling or bypassing the famed Challambra climb.
Just like the elite men and women in our UCI WorldTour Classics, you can challenge yourself on the punchy 830-metre ascent first made famous in the 2010 UCI Road World Champs.
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.
Some riders from previous years may recognise the use of Barwon Heads Road which has now been redeveloped, providing a smooth surface and simple exit from the start line to the longer route.
Aid Stations will be spread evenly across the course, located in Thirteenth Beach, Torquay, Moriac and at the top of Challambra.
Finishing on the famous Geelong waterfront, celebrate your ride at the Steampacket Gardens Event Village, and kick back with friends to watch the Deakin University Women’s Race as the world’s best riders race for glory.
REGISTER NOWGeelong start line
Whatever your goal, you are guaranteed to love the entertainment and atmosphere at our famous waterfront start line.
Join Cadel and thousands of passionate cycling friends in a sea of coastal blue as we countdown to the start of the 2024 TAC People’s Ride!
A smooth ride to Barwon Heads
From the waterfront start, you’ll head around Eastern Park, south via Boundary and Breakwater Roads to the newly upgraded 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.
Thirteenth Beach to Bells Beach
A 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.
Back up to Mount Moriac and Ceres
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.
Challambra, Geelong & The Closing Stages
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.
The Transport Accident Commission is a Victorian Government-owned organisation that supports those injured on our roads and promotes road safety.
Each and every one of us, as motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists has the shared responsibility to use our road system safely and with respect for each other.
Together we can ride towards a future where every journey is a safe one.