Overnight Cadel Evans' dream has become a reality with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirming the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race has secured a place on the coveted UCI WorldTour racing calendar from 2017 – 2019.
The one-day classic now sits alongside the Tour de France and the Spring Class as a WorldTour event, a feat achieved in only its third year.
Australia’s only Tour de France winner, Cadel Evans, said gaining a spot on the UCI WorldTour calendar was his dream for the race.
“I am absolutely delighted that our vision has been realized and Australia now has its own modern one-day classic,” Evans said.
“For world cycling this means the classic season will now start in Geelong on January 29, 2017. And, our race will become a critical part of the season with teams and individuals vying for early season points in order to set up their entire year.
“To have such an important race showcase a beautiful region that feels like my ‘cycling backyard’ is something I am very proud of.”
Here's a look back at last years action
The 2016 event was beamed into 140 countries and has annually attracted more than 100,000 spectators. With the elevation to WorldTour status these numbers are now expected to rise.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren also announced the Victorian Government has extended its support for the event for the next three years, saying this is a truly significant achievement for Australian cycling and the major events landscape in Victoria.
“The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is the country’s first one-day cycling event to gain UCI WorldTour status. What’s more, it’s a game changer for the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast regions,” Mr Eren said.
“As more WorldTour teams descend on this spectacular part of our state and country in January 2017, the eyes of world cycling will see just how much this region has to offer.”
A few highlights from the 2016 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and associated festival.
