The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race returns better than ever in 2026 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, 2026 Dates, Course Map, Prices
Be there in 2026 to see the pros battle it out in the first UCI WorldTour One-Day Classics of the season, and pedal the picturesque roads yourself in the TAC People’s Ride and the GeelongPort Family Ride.
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
An unpredictable modern one-day classic, this UCI WorldTour-certified race showcases this spectacular region and offers dynamic and thrilling racing.
A moving postcard to the world, the riders speed through scenic roads, rolling hills, technical corners and pinchy climbs, providing enthralling vision for broadcast and on-course spectators alike.
Race director Scott Sunderland designed the course in consultation with Cadel Evans, keeping in mind the early season timing.
The race can start fast and sometimes windy along exposed roadways before technical sections, including city circuits, four times over the Challambra Climb, and an electric sprint finish.
From Geelong out to the Bellarine and Barwon Heads
From the traditional start/finish line at Steampacket Gardens, the peloton will head east to Curlewis, then turn southward past Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve – one of Victoria’s most significant wetland areas and one of the largest estuaries in the state.
Flat and fast, the peloton will pass through Ocean Grove, race across the Barwon Heads Bridge and through Cadel’s home base of Barwon Heads.
Hugging the picturesque Thirteenth Beach coastline – where crosswinds are expected to pick up – the race continues towards Torquay.
Torquay and the Surf Coast
In the bustling township of Torquay, the riders will take centre stage, charging along The Esplanade with crowds expected to gather. The beach at Torquay has long been a much-loved escape for Melbournians and visitors from around the world.
Turning up Bell Street, the riders will travel westward along the back of Jan Juc.
The descent past the world-renowned Bells Beach will be matched by a steep climb up and away from the cliffs. From there, the peloton will begin a steady uphill trajectory northward to the small township of Moriac.
The climb from Moriac to Barrabool
Heading inland from the coast, the riders will turn sharply at the Moriac General Store as they continue their steady climb to Barrabool.
These tranquil countryside roads could represent a strategic location to apply pressure to the peloton as the race nears the halfway point.
Peaking at 188m above sea level, the race will turn east at Gnarwarre Road, toward the historic Ceres township, and back into Geelong city.
Challambra Crescent Climb
The arrival back into Geelong signals the start of four 21km circuits for the elite men. an arrival onto the finishing circuits but with a gruelling 68km still to travel.
Descending from Wandana Heights, the peloton will quickly turn onto Barwon Boulevard before the river and begin the infamous climb up Challambra Crescent.
The ascent, first made famous at the 2010 UCI Road World Championships, will once again play a pivotal role in the race. 1km from the Barwon Boulevard roundabout to the top, riders will climb 87m at an average gradient of 8.7%, peaking at an eye-watering 11% in the final section.
Each summit marks 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 not to be missed!
Geelong and the Waterfront Finish
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, turning onto Church Street. The race travels through residential Geelong, past the Victorian houses, over the highway and back onto the Geelong waterfront. Here, the riders get their first look at what the finale will be like in three laps time.
In a new addition to the course, the peloton will continue along the bay and around the Geelong Botanic Gardens – creating a perfect place to watch the race with a beautiful backdrop of Corio Bay.
Racing Malop Street, the peloton will turn left up Yarra Street, past Kardinia Park and back toward Challambra.
The climb, the turns and a downhill run to the finish line provide multiple ways for the race to be won. Be in the thick of the action as the world’s best riders scream toward the finish line on the famous Geelong waterfront.
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – Women
The world’s best cyclists descend on Geelong and the Surf Coast each summer as the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – Women’s hits the roads in this global celebration of cycling in Victoria.
The UCI Women’s WorldTour certified course is set to feature more unpredictable action as riders negotiate scenic roads, rolling hills, technical corners and pinchy climbs in this modern one-day classic.
From the picturesque Geelong waterfront to the heat of the Surf Coast, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – Women’s course features the iconic Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road and the celebrated Challambra Climb.
After the climb, a tactical sprint to the Geelong waterfront will crown our race champion.
SURF COAST CLASSIC – MEN
The coast is calling! With a spectacular ocean backdrop, the world’s best cyclists are ready to race from Lorne to Torquay in the Men’s Surf Coast Classic.
Soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable region, and be there to witness world-class cycling up close in Victoria.
From the Lorne start, the course features a challenging 10km uphill climb inland towards Dean Marsh. Following the rolling roads of the Surf Coast Shire and country townships, the fast-paced peloton navigated a few critical corners in the slightly downhill run into the coastal town of Torquay.
Crossing Spring Creek, down Anderson Street, the peloton will turn left onto The Esplanade for what is set to be a thrilling sprint finish by the beach.
SURF COAST CLASSIC – WOMEN
With a spectacular ocean backdrop, the world’s best cyclists are ready to race from Lorne to Torquay in the Women’s Surf Coast Classic. Soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable region, and be there to witness world-class cycling up close in Victoria.
From the Lorne start, the course features a challenging 10km uphill climb inland towards Dean Marsh. Following the rolling roads of the Surf Coast Shire and country townships, the fast-paced peloton navigated a few critical corners in the slightly downhill run into the coastal town of Torquay.
Crossing Spring Creek, down Anderson Street, the peloton will turn left onto The Esplanade for what is set to be a thrilling sprint finish by the beach.
People’s Ride
From the picturesque Thirteenth Beach to the leisurely township of Torquay and the challenging but rewarding Challambra climb, the TAC People’s Ride takes in the very best of the region on the same roads as the professionals.
Join our celebration of cycling in an amazing atmosphere that portrays excitement, friendship, safety, and respect for all road users.
Cadel’s Hometown 59km course
Total elevation gain: 367m
Max elevation: 39m
A flatter cycling experience that excludes the Challambra Climb and tours the iconic township of Barwon Heads.
Beginning with a loop around the Geelong Botanic Gardens, the course takes advantage of the smooth surfaces offered on Barwon Heads Road for the out-and-back ride to Cadel’s hometown of Barwon Heads.
The Cadel Classic 124km course
Total elevation gain: 1,091m
Max elevation: 166m
An epic one-day cycling course that mirrors the professionals’ race, this route takes in some of the most beautiful Victorian coastal views.
With the option of climbing or skipping Challambra Hill, the course heads south to Barwon Heads, winding its way along Thirteenth Beach, through Torquay and Bells Beach, before taking on the rolling hills of the Surf Coast Shire.
Geelongport Family Ride
The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is excited to announce the return of the GeelongPort Family Ride!
Full of smiles, the free GeelongPort Family Ride is the perfect family activity that kicks off an incredible weekend of cycling action. A special opportunity to create new life-long cycling memories and a celebration of the Greater Geelong community.
Join the fun as hundreds of young riders and their families take to the same finishing straight as the pros – passing the iconic Geelong waterfront and under the finishing gantry.
Closed to traffic, the flat, safe circuit provides the perfect opportunity for the next generation of cycling enthusiasts to test their two-wheel prowess before celebrating at the Steampacket Gardens Velo Village.
VELO VILLAGE
The traditional Start/Finish precinct is the central place to soak up the excitement of the weekend’s elite races, the start and finish locale for Saturday morning’s TAC People’s Ride and the Friday night GeelongPort Family Ride.
A colouring wall, a ‘style-your-ride’ activation for kids, face-painting, airbrush tattoos, bubble bikes, roaming performers, a live MC, lawn games, and food & beverage options will be available at Steampacket Gardens from Friday to Sunday.
A chance to meet your cycling idols up close before they race, fans will hear insights and pre-race strategy from each team during the Team’s Presentation and Sign-On. Hosted by Dave McKenzie on the main stage, Team Presentation will feature all the big-name riders and take place in the hours before the elite race starts.
On Saturday, between 11:30am – 12:30pm, and on Sunday, between 10:00am – 11:00am will be the best times for autographs and selfies with the riders as they make their way around the stage for presentations.
After formalities, including the Welcome To Country and the Australian National Anthem, the peloton will depart, and fans can follow the racing action with the broadcast, including commentary on the big screen.
A celebration of cycling culture, the village will have interactive partner activations to keep you entertained, delicious food and beverage options, an official event merchandise stall, and live roaming entertainment throughout the weekend’s schedule.
When the elite peloton speeds by, grab a spot on the barriers to watch a thrilling finale to the elite women’s and men’s road races.
In the afternoon, winner and jersey presentations – including the famous champagne celebrations – will take place on the main stage following both races.
GETTING THERE
Geelong is located 75 kilometres southwest of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, is an easy 60-minute drive from Melbourne, on the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the gateway to the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula and the famous Great Ocean Road.
FROM MELBOURNE
By Car
Follow the M1 Highway directly from Melbourne to Geelong which is an easy 60-minute drive from the centre of Melbourne.
By Public Transport
Public transport from Melbourne to Geelong is via the V-Line, which can be easily caught from Southern Cross Station. Public Transport onward to Torquay is via the V-Line Coach from Geelong station.
Public Transport to Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and the Surf Coast can be caught via local bus routes 55 or 56.
By Ferry
Departing twice daily from Docklands, cruise direct to Geelong Waterfront and the finish line of the race. The 400-seater vessel has an onboard café and Free Wi-Fi.
AVALON AIRPORT
By Car
Exit Avalon Airport directly on the M1 Highway towards Geelong. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes.
By Public Transport
Public transport from Avalon Airport to Geelong and the Surf Coast is limited, but some coach and other V-Line alternatives are available. To catch the V-Line, take a taxi from the airport to Lara Station, where train services operate regularly.
Bus Transfer options from Avalon Airport are available through MyBus Airport Transfers, providing pickup and dropoff services throughout Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.
Tullamarine Airport
By Car
Follow the M2 Highway from the airport and exit on the Western Ring Road/M80 before joining the M1 Highway to Geelong. The journey will take a similar time from the city centre to Geelong, around one hour, subject to traffic conditions and time of day.
By Public Transport
Catch the SkyBus from outside Terminal 2 to Southern Cross Station. Skybus shuttles leave every 10 minutes and take approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. For more information on the SkyBus service, click here.
From Southern Cross Station, PTV offers regular trains to Geelong. Trip lengths vary slightly, but on average, take one hour.
Gull Airport Service
Gull Airport Service provides a shuttle service between Tullamarine Airport and Geelong. Shuttle departure times vary, but leave every 60-90 minutes on weekends and weekdays. Services depart from outside the international terminal at Tullamarine.
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