Cycling great Mark Cavendish will headline a glittering field at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in January.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today announced the Tour de France stalwart would join Australian stars Simon Gerrans and Rohan Dennis as the star attractions in the Elite Men’s race, meaning more visitors to Geelong and the Bellarine.
Victoria is fast establishing itself as one of the premiere locations for the biggest and best cycling events outside Europe. Cavendish will turn heads on the Great Ocean Road just days before reigning Tour de France winner Chris Froome competes in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
Cavendish, 30, is arguably world cycling’s greatest ever sprinter. The Briton has claimed an unprecedented 26 Tour de France stage wins – and he’s got plenty left in the tank. Cavendish is using his only Australian appearance to debut with his new team, Dimension Data.
The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is returning for a second year, but this time the event has been awarded 1.HC classification by the Union Cycliste International – and that means more of the world-renowned names.
The Elite Men’s and Women’s race draw up to 100,000 spectators at vantage points along Geelong’s waterfront, and at towns including Barwon Heads, Torquay and Thirteenth Beach. It means more visitors keeping our small businesses busy, and a unique opportunity for our towns to show they have the best of everything.
Victoria’s calendar of events is already great, but the Andrews Labor Government is working hard to grow it further, because a healthy calendar of events makes Victoria stronger. The Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget includes an additional $80 million for Victoria’s major events war chest.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“Mark Cavendish is a superstar. He’s one of world cycling’s all-time greats, and he’ll be a major drawcard at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.”
“We wanted cycling’s biggest names in Victoria and that’s exactly what we’ve got. The top names belong in the state that does the big events best.”
“We want the big sporting events in Victoria, because they mean jobs for locals and a stronger economy.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021