Great Ocean Road Race to become part of cycling WorldTour calendar

VICTORIA has its first ever WorldTour cycling event after the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race was elevated to sport’s top shelf.

VICTORIA has its first ever WorldTour cycling event after the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race was elevated to sport’s top shelf.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) was due to announce the burgeoning 174km one-day classic would form part of the coveted WorldTour calendar from 2017-2019.

The classification upgrade means Evans’ race will feature the biggest teams and some of the biggest names in world cycling when it is held for just the third time in Geelong on January 29 next year.

Evans, Australia’s only Tour de France champion, said gaining a spot on the UCI WorldTour calendar was a dream come true.

“I am absolutely delighted that our vision has been realised and Australia now has its own one-day classic,” Evans said.

“For world cycling this means the classic season will now start in Geelong and our race will become a critical part of the season with teams and individuals vying for early season points in order to set up their entire year.

“To have such an important race showcasing a beautiful region that feels like my cycling backyard is something I’m very proud of.”

Evans in the new People’s Ride jersey for the Great Ocean Road Race.

The timing of the race, a well-balanced course and warm climate has already made the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race a favourite event among the professional European-based teams.

The picturesque course remains unchanged for next year, with riders setting off from the Geelong waterfront, racing through Evans’ hometown of Barwon Heads and onto Thirteenth Beach, Torquay and Bells Beach.

More than 100,000 fans lined the route in 2016 — many packing the roadside on the demanding three-lap 20.2km finishing circuit to create a carnival atmosphere in the Geelong suburbs.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren, confirmed the Victorian Government had extended its support of the event for a further three years.

“As more WorldTour teams descend on this spectacular part of our state and country … the eyes of world cycling will see just how much this region has to offer,” Eren said.

Belgian Gianni Meersman (Etixx-Quick-Step) was the inaugural winner of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in 2015 before Britain’s Peter Kennaugh (Team Sky) saluted this year.

Originally published as Great Ocean Road Race to become part of cycling WorldTour calendar