In 2011, cyclist Cadel Evans rode his way into the history books as the first and only Australian Tour de France winner. Now retired from the professional circuit, Cadel continues to fly the flag for cycling with an event that attracts professional competitors from around the world.

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race was established in 2015. Held over several days, it gives spectators the chance to witness elite cyclists compete, as well as join in on exciting participation rides. The TAC People’s Ride and Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race (UCI Women’s WorldTour) take place on the Saturday, while the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Elite Men’s Race (UCI WorldTour) takes place on the Sunday. With people of all ages and abilities getting involved, the event is known for offering a truly spectacular community experience amid a stunning coastal backdrop.

The 2024 event, which was held over four days from January 24–28, was officially the biggest since it began – with a record-breaking 140,000 cycling fans turning out to watch.

As a long-time supporter of grassroots and elite sports, Mercedes-Benz was again the official vehicle sponsor for the 2024 event, supplying a fleet of vehicles to provide key logistical support throughout the event. For the first time, race officials got behind the wheel of an all-electric vehicle – the Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan.

For the love of cycling

Cadel shared with us that while being a race organiser can be challenging, being on the start line and hearing the national anthem before the professional races is a real “goosebump moment”.

But it’s not just about elite cycling. Seeing the community come together for the TAC People’s Ride holds a special place in Cadel’s heart. This year, he was joined by AFLW star Daisy Pearce on the start line where over 3000 people gathered to participate in the ride.

“The TAC People’s Ride is the day everyone can be a cyclist. It’s not about being the best or the fittest, but about participating in a safe and social environment. I love that we have politicians, AFL players, TV personalities and even some of the pro team managers and cycling officials participating,” Cadel explains.

The coastal landscapes also play a starring role. The riders traverse a variety of Surf Coast terrain, from steep climbs to long, winding stretches of road hugged by the scenic shoreline.

“… the sight of Bells Beach is a nice distraction as they turn off the Great Ocean Road and make their way back to Geelong. For spectators, there are a 120km of different vantage points, but the most popular are certainly Challambra Crescent and the finish line in Steam Packet Gardens on Geelong’s waterfront,” Cadel says.

Young talent time

On the first day of racing, Italian rider Sofia Bertizzolo (UAE Team ADQ) took out the inaugural Geelong Classic. The following day, Eritrean sprinter Binam Girmay (Intermaché Wanty) won the inaugural Surf Coast Classic.

On the fourth and final day of racing, New Zealander Laurence Pithie (Groupama-FDJ) just managed to edge out Natnael Tesfazion (Lidl-Trek) and Georg Zimmerman (Intermache – Wanty) to take the UCI WorldTour Elite Men’s Road Race in a thrilling finish – a hard-fought first WorldTour win Laurence described as “a dream come true”.

In what Cadel described as “the most competitive women’s field ever”, 19-year-old Dutch national Rosita Reijnhout (Team Visma-Lease a Bike) triumphed over strong headwinds to clinch her maiden Women’s WorldTour title at the Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race, finishing ahead of Dominika Wlodarczyk (UAE Team ADQ) and Cecillie Uttrup-Ludwig (FDJ – Suez). Rosita is the youngest rider to win the elite women’s title in the history of the event.

“I’m really, really happy and I still don’t believe it,” shares Rosita, who dreams of winning a stage race like the Giro d'Italia or Tour de France in the future.

With events like the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race promoting women’s professional cycling (and importantly, offering equal prize money to both men and women), Rosita will no doubt soon be competing against a new crop of rivals as women’s participation in the sport continues to grow.

Discover the all-electric EQE Sedan.