The Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will deliver a new racing opportunity for teams on Thursday, 29 January with the introduction of ‘Cadel’s Criterium.’ This event replaces the Surf Coast Classic women’s and men’s road races that were cancelled due to bushfire activity and adverse weather conditions in the region.

Following consultation with Victoria Police, emergency services and key stakeholders, organisers have acted quickly to ensure that elite racing remains on the event program, with Geelong to host a fast and accessible criterium in city parkland on Thursday afternoon.

Cadel’s Criterium will be held at Eastern Gardens in Geelong, on a compact two-kilometre circuit designed to deliver high-speed, technical racing. The event will be open to fans keen to catch a glimpse of the 32 WorldTour teams in Victoria to prepare for the weekend’s Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

On Thursday 29 January, the women’s race will take place from 1.00pm to 2.00pm, covering 20 laps for a total distance of 40km, followed by the women’s podium presentations. The men’s race will begin at 2.30pm, covering 25 laps for a total distance of 50km, with the men’s podium to follow.

The races will be broadcast live on SBS in eastern states, with delayed coverage in other regions, and live nation-wide on SBS On Demand. SBS has added the event to its broadcast schedule, ensuring racing fans across Australia can watch the action unfold from Geelong.

For race organisers, the revised format reflects a commitment to rider safety and high-performance needs, while continuing to deliver high-quality racing and broadcast outcomes. The effect on traffic movement in Geelong is expected be minimal, with road closures limited to roads in Eastern Park – including Hearne Parade, Eastern Park Circuit and Podbury Drive. For more information or to see the course map, visit the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race website.

Quote from Race Director Scott Sunderland
“Safety remains our priority, but we are also eager to deliver elite racing for fans, teams and broadcast audiences where appropriate.”
“The Geelong Criterium allows us to adapt quickly, keep racing on the road and bring the excitement directly into the city.”

Planning for the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Races this weekend is proceeding with no identified impacts at this time.

For more information contact:

Mobile: +61 401704313