Australia 01 Feb 2026 Class 1.UWT – 1 day – UCI WorldTour
Website www.cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au
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The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (CEGORR) is a relatively young but prestigious fixture on the UCI WorldTour calendar. Inspired by the classic European one-day races, it brings a taste of the Belgian “Spring Classics” to the scenic, wind-swept coast of Victoria, Australia.
Here is the history and evolution of the men’s elite race.
1. Origins and Inauguration (2015)
The race was created as a farewell tribute to Cadel Evans, Australia’s only Tour de France winner and the 2009 World Champion.
- The Debut: The first edition took place in 2015, shortly after Evans’ final professional appearance at the Tour Down Under.
- The Route: It starts and finishes in Geelong, looping through Evans’ hometown of Barwon Heads and traversing the iconic Great Ocean Road before hitting the punishing “Challambra Park” climbs.
- The First Winner: Belgian rider Gianni Meersman took the inaugural title in a reduced bunch sprint.
2. Rise to WorldTour Status
The race’s professional organization and challenging “puncheur” terrain (ideal for riders who thrive on short, steep hills) led to a rapid ascent in the cycling hierarchy.
- 2015–2016: Rated as a 1.1 and 1.HC event.
- 2017: The race was officially promoted to the UCI WorldTour, the highest level of professional cycling. This guaranteed the participation of the world’s biggest teams (like UAE Team Emirates, Visma-Lease a Bike, and Ineos Grenadiers).
3. Notable Winners & Moments
The race is famous for being unpredictable. While it often ends in a sprint, the coastal winds and the Challambra climb usually ensure only the strongest remain.
| Year | Winner | Nationality | Note |
| 2017 | Nikias Arndt | Germany | The first winner of the WorldTour era. |
| 2019 | Elia Viviani | Italy | Won in the European Champion’s jersey. |
| 2020 | Dries Devenyns | Belgium | A tactical masterclass, beating Pavel Sivakov in a two-man breakaway. |
| 2024 | Laurence Pithie | New Zealand | A breakout win for the young Kiwi in a thrilling finish. |
4. The “Mapei” Connection
The mention of Mapei in the race title refers to the long-standing sponsorship deal. Mapei, an Italian chemical giant, has a legendary history in cycling (sponsoring the “super-team” of the 90s). Their support of the CEGORR reinforces the race’s connection to the sport’s deep European roots and high-performance standards.
5. Modern Impact
After a two-year hiatus in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the race returned in 2023. It now serves as the grand finale of the “Aussie Summer of Cycling,” held one week after the Tour Down Under. It remains a rare opportunity for local Australian continental riders to test their legs against the world’s elite on home soil.
