TOWARDS ZERO RACE TORQUAY
For the first time, the iconic surf town of Torquay hosted our electric UCI 1.1 circuit races on Thursday 30 January 2020.
Irish national champion Sam Bennett (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) took out the men’s race – living up to his reputation as one of the world’s best sprinters, with Australian favourite Brodie Chapman (FDJ Nouvelle – Aquitaine Futuroscope), who blitzed the women’s field.
RACE RESULTS
Elite Women’s (UCI 1.1)
2020 Winner:
Brodie Chapman, FDJ Nouvelle – Aquitaine Futuroscope
Average speed of the winner: 36.9km/h
Duration: 12pm to 2:45pm
Circuit: 8 x 13km laps totalling 104km
Intermediate Sprints Surf Coast Times Super Sprint 1
Tanja Erath, Canyon//SRAM Racing
Intermediate Sprints Surf Coast Times Super Sprint 2
Brodie Chapman, FDJ Nouvelle – Aquitaine Futuroscope
Elite Men’s (UCI 1.1)
2020 Winner:
Sam Bennett, Deceuninck – Quick-Step
Average speed of the winner: 44.0km/h
Duration: 4:45 pm to 7:45pm
Circuit: 10 x 13km laps totalling 130km
Intermediate Sprints Surf Coast Times Super Sprint 1
Neilson Powless, EF Education First
Intermediate Sprints Surf Coast Times Super Sprint 2
Kiel Reijnen, Trek-Segafredo
The Course
Starting and finishing on The Esplanade, the 13km circuit will follow a clockwise direction with the peloton racing along Bell Street before hitting the iconic Great Ocean Road, Duffields and Messmate Roads.
You can expect fast and dynamic racing, with the riders guaranteed to be attacking as they punch over the two short climbs on the back of the circuit. The peloton then heads back via South Beach Road, and there’s a quick decent to Horseshoe Bend Road before hitting the finish line in the heart of Torquay.
The riders will battle it out in the Surf Coast Times Super Sprints on laps 3 and 6. The winner-takes-all format for the intermediate sprints will see the racing heat up early with a cash prize up for grabs. From there, it’s all about line honours and becoming the inaugural winner of Towards Zero Race Torquay.
Line the track or check out the action from the Event Village and community hub opposite Price Street.
What they say
“It’s made for the sprinters’ but it gave an opportunity for guys to breakaway – there was a bit of something for everyone. The distance is really good as well – it makes for an aggressive race.”
Sam Bennett (Deceuninck – Quick-Step), 2020 men’s winner
“Winning on home soil is certainly the dream for many riders. It often takes me a few months to process the feeling of a win, and to actually reflect and be proud of how it played out.”
Brodie Chapman (FDJ Nouvelle – Aquitaine Futuroscope), 2020 women’s winner
“What better place can you have for running a bike race than in Torquay, with those pristine beaches and the fantastic Surf Coast?”
Scott Sunderland, Race Director
“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.”
Meg Jacobs, TAC Senior Manager, Engagement
“This course will challenge the best riders in the world while providing a stunning backdrop for spectators.”
Darren Cheeseman, Member for South Barwon
“We’re proud to be on the world stage, and a circuit event like this will give our region great exposure and our community prized opportunity to admire cycling’s elite up close.”
Rose Hodge, Surf Coast Shire Mayor
Proudly presented by TAC and Surf Coast Shire
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.
The Surf Coast boasts some of Australia’s most famous beaches and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Torquay is the official start of the Great Ocean Road – a special place to drive and cycle. The Surf Coast is honoured to be part of this international event so close to Cadel’s heart.