The French outfit returns to Australian shores for their fifth Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Always in the mix, AG2R LA MONDIALE will be pushing for their first win at Australia’s only One Day Classic.
Hailing from Kazakhstan, Astana is making its long-awaited debut at the Cadel Road Race, bringing a strong line-up for their first outing in Geelong. Known for exciting racing, expect to see them attacking to be in the breakaway.
Provisional start list:
With the defending champion in their team, expect the team to be right there again in 2019. BORA – hansgrohe have won both previous editions of Towards Zero Race Melbourne, so certainly love racing here in Victoria.
A new sponsor, new colours and new bikes will bring a big change to the CCC Team. Formerly BMC Racing, CCC Team have openly stated that their new ethos includes targeting the One Day Classics. The Cadel Road Race is the first on their list for 2019.
The hottest team of 2018, Deceuninck – Quick Step won a host of stages at the Grand Tours and a number of One Day Classics. There is unfinished business in Geelong though, with Elia Viviani missing by half a wheel.
A changing of the guard has taken place in the red and white. Lotto Soudal has signed Aussie young gun Caleb Ewan and will be a sure-fire contender at both Towards Zero Race Melbourne and the Cadel Road Race.
With their roots being set in the suburbs of Melbourne, the Mitchelton – SCOTT team will be looking to secure their first victory in the Elite Men’s Race. A host of Australian talent is complemented by international stars such as Daryl Impey.
The South African team will be one to watch in 2019, both on the bike with a number of big signings, and off the bike where their amazing work with the Qhubeka charity helps to mobilise people on bicycles in Africa.
The American team, EF Education First returns in 2019. Sporting their new kit through a partnership with Rapha, EF Education First are one of the most exciting teams to watch. Open to challenging the norms in cycling, the team is always looking for new ways to entertain and engage with fans.
Swiss based Team Katusha Alpecin is back again in 2019. Having won the Mapei Sprint Classification and finishing second in the Subaru King of the Mountain in 2018, they will be chasing the overall in 2019.
The Belgian team is at home in the Classics and always comes with big goals early in the season. Expect the team to push the pace early as they try to break the race open for their specialists that love the tough climb up Challambra.
This will be the last time we see the Sky jersey compete in a WorldTour race in Australia and they are here to win. 2018 saw them bring a young team. This has all changed in 2019 with Wouter Pouls, one of the biggest stars in One Day racing, lining up to chase glory.
2017 victors, Team Sunweb is back chasing the top step of the podium after going close again in 2018. With a few changes in their line-up, expect to see them in the mix come the finish in Geelong.
Perennial crowd favourites, Trek – Segafredo will have even more fans with their recent signing of Richie Porte. It won’t be only Richie keeping the rivals nervous though, with Trek having a number of riders with the ability to win the race.
Italian based UAE Team Emirates will line up at the Cadel Road Race for the first time. The team brings a great line-up to the race and will be a real chance for victory on debut. Will experience count against them?
Provisional start list
Featuring some of Australia’s most talented young riders, the Australian National Team is made up of a mix of riders from Continental teams and NRS team. They are sure to be there contesting the Mapei Sprint and Subaru King of the Mountain jerseys plus chasing the overall as their riders show the world their strength.
Download our Riders list for handy reference on race day