Every summer, Geelong turns it on for one very fast, very exciting reason. The Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is Australia’s premier cycling event, pulling more than 140,000 people to the region for five days of elite racing, community rides, and waterfront energy.

Held 28 January to 1 February 2026, the event brings world class riders to some of the most scenic roads in the country, alongside plenty of ways for spectators, families, and everyday riders to get involved.

What’s happening across race week

Thursday 29 January:
Cadel’s Criterium takes over Eastern Park.
Women’s race 1.00–2.00pm, followed by the men from 2.30pm, with podium presentations after each event.

Friday, 30 January:

Friday evening is all about fun, with the GeelongPort Family Ride. It’s free, beginner friendly, and perfect for kids, balance bikes, and anyone keen to roll under the finish gantry with a big smile.

Registration details

When the bikes are packed away for the night, keep the cycling theme rolling with Cadel: Lungs on Legs at Geelong Arts Centre. The high-energy solo show shares the story of Cadel Evans through live performance, staged on a bike. It’s an easy add-on to your Friday night plans.

Event details

Saturday 31 January - Sunday 1 February:

It's the main event! The TAC People’s Ride takes over the roads on Saturday morning, giving riders the chance to pedal the same courses as the pros, followed by the Women’s Road Race in the afternoon.

Across the weekend, the racing heads out from the Geelong waterfront, stretching through to The Bellarine and down the Surf Coast before looping back into the city. Riders pass through places like Wallington, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, follow the coast along Thirteenth Beach, then wind through Torquay and up past Bells Beach. From there, it’s back to Geelong for multiple laps of the city circuit, including Highton, with the final sprints playing out right by the water.

Sunday wraps it all up with the Men’s Road Race, finishing right by the water in Geelong.

The heart of the action sits at Velo Village in Steampacket Gardens, where you’ll find live commentary, team presentations, food and drinks, kids activities, and plenty of front row spots for the final sprints.

Event details

Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Barwon Heads

Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Challambra Climb

Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Geelong waterfront

While you're here...

When you’re not trackside, there’s plenty to keep the energy going across the region.

A good place to start is the Geelong Sports Museum at GMHBA Stadium. It’s where the region’s deep sporting roots come to life, from the factory teams and community clubs that shaped local sport, to athletes who went on to make it big. The Community Collection features stories connected to Cadel Evans, including his journey from local rider to Tour de France winner and the creation of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Along the way, you’ll find interactive displays, hands-on activities, and space to dig into the moments and people that put Geelong on the sporting map.

Find out more

If the race weekend has you itching to get out on two wheels, this region is made for it. There are easygoing shared paths, coastal trails and longer rides that let you see more than you would from a car. From the Bellarine Rail Trail to quieter back roads and coastal stretches, it’s a great way to fill time between events.

Still itching for more things to do? There are plenty of other fun ways to fill the day. A hike through the You Yangs or Brisbane Ranges, or some friendly competition at Next Level Skirmish. Try out The Rock Adventure Centre, Adventure Park, AeroBounce Bungy, or have a hit one of the region’s many golf courses dotted across the region.

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Where to eat

If you’re chasing something to eat by the water, the Geelong waterfront has plenty of easy options just steps from the race precinct.

Stay

While you’re here for the racing, you may as well turn it into a weekend getaway. Stay nearby and make the most of everything happening around the region,