Elite Women’s Overview - Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – Women

Saturday 31 January 2026 - 12:40 to 4:30pm

The Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – Women is a showcase of world-class talent, tactical racing, and coastal drama. In 2025, Ally Wollaston delivered a commanding performance to take the win, completing a remarkable double after her earlier victory in the Surf Coast Classic. The course winds through the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast, with the decisive Challambra Crescent climb and a fast finish on the Geelong waterfront. As part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, the race offers equal prize money and prestige, attracting top teams and riders from around the globe.

WHAT THEY SAY

“I knew this would be a really good race for me, and I’ve tried really hard in previous years to not pigeonhole myself into being just a sprinter… I think today proves that I’m not just a sprinter!”

Ally Wollaston (FDJ – SUEZ), 2025 winner

“When I was at the finish, I asked everyone – ‘Did I win? Did I win?’ – I’m really happy and I still don’t believe it… I really like to race and it’s beautiful around here.”

Rosita Reijnhout (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), 2024 winner

“This is a really good course for Zwift racers I think. Effort, rest and then go again… I knew this course suited me and that there was a chance, but I didn’t expect this!”

Loes Adegeest (FDJ–Suez), 2023 winner

“It’s amazing, I still can’t believe it. I’ve just won my first WorldTour race and I’m now in this jersey!”

Liane Lippert (Team DSM), 2020 winner

“I decided to risk all or nothing and it worked out. I’m very happy with the victory.”

Arlenis Sierra (Movistar Team), 2019 winner

“It’s the first race I’ve targeted and won. I was really nervous I’d get jumped from behind, but I tried to channel Caleb Ewan and put my head down low.”

Chloe Hosking (Trek–Segafredo), 2018 winner

“The skill, endurance and attitude of these female athletes is truly inspirational.”

Professor Iain Martin – Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University

“Staging Men’s and Women’s UCI WorldTour events will attract a stronger field of elite teams and riders.”

Tracey Gaudry, President of the UCI Women’s Commission, UCI Oceania Federation and CEO of Respect Victoria

EXPLORE THE REGION

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Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – Women

2026 RESULTS

WHAT THEY SAY

“I knew this would be a really good race for me, and I’ve tried really hard in previous years to not pigeonhole myself into being just a sprinter… I think today proves that I’m not just a sprinter!”

“When I was at the finish, I asked everyone – ‘Did I win? Did I win?’ – I’m really happy and I still don’t believe it… I really like to race and it’s beautiful around here.”

“This is a really good course for Zwift racers I think. Effort, rest and then go again… I knew this course suited me and that there was a chance, but I didn’t expect this!”

“It’s amazing, I still can’t believe it. I’ve just won my first WorldTour race and I’m now in this jersey!”

“I decided to risk all or nothing and it worked out. I’m very happy with the victory.”

“It’s the first race I’ve targeted and won. I was really nervous I’d get jumped from behind, but I tried to channel Caleb Ewan and put my head down low.”

“The skill, endurance and attitude of these female athletes is truly inspirational.”

“Staging Men’s and Women’s UCI WorldTour events will attract a stronger field of elite teams and riders.”

EXPLORE THE REGION

Rest stop: Check out Geelong's Top Cafés, Restaurants and Bars

The best coffee spots to hit up on your ride down the coast

Top 10 things to do off the bike in Geelong