More of the world’s best women’s teams and riders are set to pedal their way to Victoria for the 2018 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren joined Aussie Tour de France hero Cadel Evans today to announce an increased ranking for next year’s Deakin University Elite Women’s Race.
It means the top 10 ranked women’s teams in the world can now compete in Geelong, with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) providing in-principle support to upgrade the Women’s Race to a UCI1.1 classification.
Victoria flexed its cycling credentials again, hosting its first UCI WorldTour Race for Elite Men earlier this year and reaching world cycling’s top level in only three years.
The popular Towards Zero Race Melbourne will also return in 2018, featuring two fast races for the Elite Men and Elite Women, while over 3,000 budding cyclists are expected to ride with Cadel Evans in the Swisse People's Ride.
Entries for the People’s Ride will open in August, with some exciting new elements in store for people to look forward to.
Vice Chancellor of Deakin University, Professor Jane den Hollander AO, also announced that Deakin University will extend its partnership with the Elite Women’s Race until 2019.
Key dates and events for the 2018 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race include:
- Thursday 25 January – Towards Zero Race Melbourne Elite men’s and women’s races at Albert Park
- Friday 26 January – Family & Kids Ride on the Geelong waterfront and join in the Australia Day activities hosted by City of Greater Geelong and Festival of Sails
- Saturday 27 January – Swisse People’s Ride
- Saturday 27 January – Deakin University Elite Women’s Race
- Sunday 28 January – UCI WorldTour Elite Men’s Race
The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race means serious business for the region, which is why the Andrews Labor Government is working to bring more of these world-class events to regional Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“This is another big win for women’s cycling in Australia, and we’re proud to be bringing more of the world’s best female teams and riders to the sporting capital.”
“Events like these fill hotel rooms, create jobs, and attract visitors from around the world who splash their valuable tourism dollars.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race provides a massive boost to our local economy and gives tourists an opportunity to see all this region has to offer.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020