Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – Elite Women’s Race 2024

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race includes both men’s and women’s races, and the women’s race is a significant part of the event. Please note that details may have evolved since then, so it’s advisable to check more recent sources for the latest information. Here’s a description and historical context focusing on the Elite Women’s Race:

Description:

Location:
The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – Elite Women’s Race is held in and around Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The race takes advantage of the stunning coastal and inland landscapes along the Great Ocean Road, providing a challenging and scenic course for the participants.

Race Format:
The Elite Women’s Race is a one-day event that attracts some of the world’s top professional women cyclists. Like the men’s race, it features a challenging route with both flat and hilly sections, including climbs in the Geelong and Barwon Heads areas.

Jerseys:
Similar to the men’s race, the Elite Women’s Race awards jerseys to distinguish leaders in various classifications. These may include jerseys for the overall winner, the best sprinter, the best climber, and the best young rider.

Community Engagement:
The race is not just about the competition; it also fosters community engagement. Spectators line the route, and the finish in Geelong often draws a crowd, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere for the participating cyclists.

Cadel Evans:
The race is named after Cadel Evans, an Australian cycling legend who won the Tour de France in 2011. The inclusion of his name in the event is a tribute to his contributions to the sport, and the Elite Women’s Race allows women cyclists to compete in a race associated with a highly respected figure in the cycling world.

History:

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race was first held in 2015, and the Elite Women’s Race has been an integral part of the event since its inception. Over the years, it has grown in stature, attracting top women cyclists from around the world.

The race serves as an early-season competition, often taking place in late January or early February. It provides a platform for riders and teams to showcase their form and skills early in the season, contributing to the global calendar of women’s professional cycling.

Sponsorship:
Santos, an energy company, has been a key sponsor of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, supporting both the men’s and women’s events. Sponsorship is vital for the organization, promotion, and overall success of the race.