The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race returns better than ever in 2024 as the world’s cycling elite journey to Geelong and the Surf Coast for Australia’s greatest weekend of cycling.
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, 2024 Dates, Course Map, Prices
Race director Scott Sunderland designed the course in consultation with Cadel Evans, keeping the early season timing in mind.
There can be a fast and sometimes windy start to the race along the exposed roadways before technical sections, including city circuits, four times over the Challambra Climb and an electric sprint finish.
Up to Ceres and down to Moriac
From the waterfront start, riders head south through the city, over the Barwon River and will be quickly greeted by the uphill challenge that awaits them west of Geelong at the historic township of Ceres.
The tranquil country roads could lay the foundations of an important strategic breakaway as riders negotiate the rolling farmland hills before heading southward to Moriac.
Torquay and the Surf Coast
As riders descend to the coast, they’ll pass the famous Bells Beach and close in on busy Torquay, a haven for locals and a much-loved escape for Melbournians and visitors worldwide. The many families, swimmers and surfers gathering around the busy beaches in Torquay will pause to watch the colourful peloton charge along The Esplanade as crowds gather at one of the spectator cheer sites.
Stunning coastal views could provide a pleasant distraction for the peloton as strong crosswinds may feature on the straight stretch toward Barwon Heads.
Barwon Heads and the Bellarine Heat
Hugging the picturesque Thirteenth Beach coastline, the peloton will pass through Cadel’s home base at Barwon Heads before crossing the Barwon Heads Bridge.
Rolling across the water, the peloton turns inland from Ocean Grove and heads through the Bellarine Peninsula back toward Geelong City.
Geelong, Challambra & The Closing Stages
Geelong signals an arrival onto the finishing circuits but with a gruelling 68km still to travel.
The Elite Men’s course takes on four loops of Geelong, where battles will be won and lost on the climb of Challambra Crescent – the summit marking the opportunity to capture points for the coveted KOM title. The roar of the crowd and the electric atmosphere on the hill will have fans in a frenzy – This is one spectator point that is not to be missed!
Descending Scenic Road, the peloton will touch speeds of almost 85km/h into Queens Park. The course has a pinch as it climbs out of Queens Park and up the road of the same name.
With a left turn and a further pinch up Melville Avenue, the race continues up Minerva Road, connecting to Church Street. The race travels through residential Geelong, past the Victorian houses, over the Highway and onto the Geelong waterfront. Here, the riders get their first look at what the finale will be like in three laps time.
You too can take part in the VEGEMITE Family Ride along the picturesque Geelong Waterfront, something the whole family will enjoy.
The TAC People’s Ride, with 35km, 50km and 125km options, caters to cyclists of all levels. A chance to ride on the same roads as the pros, it’s highlighted by Challambra – a climb for those doing the longest distance to conquer.
VEGEMITE Family Ride, Geelong Waterfront
Fun, free and safe! The VEGEMITE® Family Ride is the perfect family activity to kick off an incredible weekend of cycling action. The enclosed 1.6km circuit ride will be a special opportunity to create new life-long cycling memories.
TAC People’s Ride + Deakin University Elite Women’s Race
The world’s best cyclists will descend on Geelong and the Surf Coast as the Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race hits the roads this summer.
The 2024 UCI Women’s WorldTour certified course will feature 143km of unpredictable action as riders negotiate scenic roads, rolling hills, technical corners and pinchy climbs in this modern one-day classic.
UCI WorldTour Elite Men’s Race
You can’t beat this modern one-day classic’s unpredictable nature and electric atmosphere. The 2024 UCI WorldTour certified course features 176km of scenic roads, rolling hills, technical corners and pinchy climbs.
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