- Published:
- Monday 13 July 2015
The Andrews Labor Government has secured the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in 2016, locking away another major event on regional Victoria’s calendar.
Minister for Sport Tourism and Major Events John Eren today joined Australia’s Tour de France hero, Cadel Evans, in Geelong to announce the Elite Men’s and Women’s races and the Momentum Energy People’s Ride will return next year at the world-renowned location.
A crowd of around 100,000 spectators lined Geelong’s streets and the Surf Coast circuit last year, cheering on some of the world’s top riders, and paying tribute to Evans – the 2011 Tour de France winner. Channel Seven broadcast the race nationally, showcasing the Great Ocean Road region to viewers from all over Australia and a further 106 countries.
In a ringing endorsement, the event has been awarded elevated sanctioning from the Union Cycliste International. In principle approval for 1.HC status means the event is only one level below a grand tour, and will help lure the world’s top cyclists to Geelong.
The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is already capturing the attention of the international cycling fraternity. Last year, eight of the world’s top UCI WorldTeam outfits competed, and five have already flagged their return in 2016 – including Orica GreenEDGE.
Events like the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race help keep regional Victoria strong. Our long list of big events keeps our restaurants and cafes busy, our motels full and our economy healthy – and that means more jobs for regional Victorians.
We are the sporting capital of the world and the events capital of Australia, but we have to work hard to stay number one. The Labor Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget includes an additional $80 million for our events war chest, to secure the biggest and best events.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race gives Victorians and our guests from interstate and abroad a chance to pay tribute to a national sporting icon, as well as a fantastic opportunity to ride the circuit themselves.”
“This region is one of the most picturesque settings in world cycling. This is our chance to showcase our natural strengths to the world.”
“Victoria’s major events stocks are strong under a Labor Government. A healthy major events calendar means more tourists. That means jobs for Victorians and a stronger state.”