The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

Now in its 6th year the CEGORR has cemented its status as an unpredictable and thrilling race. The parcours have a ‘European spring classics’ feel (minus the inclement weather) that will favour a versatile rider.

The 113km route sees the peloton head south from Geelong waterfront on relatively wide and open roads towards the Surf Coast. After passing through Barwon Heads the bunch follows the famously picturesque, but ‘blustery’ Great Ocean Road to the first intermediate sprint at Torquay. Riders will need their wits about them along this exposed stretch of the course as strong crosswinds could play havoc in the bunch.

After Bells Beach the race then loops back into town through rolling terrain. Just shy of 10km from the finish, the notorious Challambra Climb awaits. Measuring in at 1.8km with an average gradient of 7% as well as a vicious kick up of 17% towards the top, Challambra will undoubtedly decimate the field.

The final run in back to Geelong waterfront is fast although punctuated by a sharp, steep kicker with 6km to go. Riders will need to be tactically savvy to assess the race situation as groups of various sizes are often strewn across the road and games of cat and mouse usually take place at the head of affairs. The finish itself is a fast sprint but whether a solo rider, small breakaway or larger bunch battle it out for win is difficult to predict.

8 Riders to Watch

1) Amanda Spratt