Brilliant spectator vantage points, greater opportunities for race defining attacks and a wonderfully unpredictable classic course awaits riders taking on Australia’s very own One-Day Classic.

In 2025, the Men’s and Women’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Races will race in the reverse direction replicating the direction of the inaugural races in 2015.

Clockwise from the traditional start/finish line on the Geelong waterfront, the elite peloton will race down to Ocean Grove and across the famous bridge to Barwon Heads, along the coast to Torquay, onto the majestic Bells Beach and back toward Geelong via the scenic Australian countryside of Moriac and Ceres.

As in previous years, the men will complete four loops of the ‘Geelong circuit’ including the unforgiving Challambra climb, with the women completing two loops.

“We’ve shaken things up this year,” Race Director Scott Sunderland said.

“The clockwise route gives fans more opportunities to see the riders up close with incredible access to a World Tour peloton. From the coastline of Barwon Heads (Thirteenth Beach), Torquay and Bells Beach to the iconic Challambra Crescent climb and the technical challenge of the Queens Park bridge, this course showcases the best of what Geelong and the Surf Coast has to offer.

It’s a superb classic race course and riders and spectators alike are in for yet another memorable edition of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race”.

Key Course Changes for 2025:

  • Reverse direction: The race now runs clockwise.
  • New turn at Moriac: Riders will head left onto Hendy Main Road toward Moriac, bypassing the usual Grays, Forest, and Larcombes Roads.
  • Botanic Gardens loop: A new loop around the picturesque Geelong Botanic Gardens has been added to the Geelong circuit.
  • Yarra Street return: Riders will rejoin Yarra Street via Malop Street after the Gardens loop.

Mark your calendar for an unforgettable weekend of world-class cycling! The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race takes place on Sunday, 2 February, and the Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race on Saturday, 1 February 2025.

Supported by Visit Victoria and the Victorian Government, this iconic event brings the world’s best cyclists to Geelong, The Bellarine, and the Surf Coast. Make it a long weekend by checking out our Weekend Planner for travel inspiration.