
JOIN US ON SATURDAY 31 JANUARY 2026
Your opportunity to ride alongside Australia’s Tour de France champion, the TAC People’s Ride is a celebration of cycling and the spectacular Geelong and Surf Coast region.
Ride the same roads as the pros
From the picturesque Thirteenth Beach to the leisurely township of Torquay, and the challenging but rewarding Challambra climb, the TAC People’s Ride takes in the very best of the region on the very same roads as the professionals.

2026 Event Details
Date: Saturday 31st January 2026
Start/Finish Location: Steampacket Gardens, Geelong
Time (TBC):
- Long Course starts at 7:00am
- Short Course starts at 7:30am
Courses & Distances: In 2026, two distances are again on offer, providing riders of all abilities and experience levels the chance to be part of this celebration of cycling:
- Long Course – The Cadel Classic (124km).
- Short Course – Cadel’s Hometown (63km).
Format: Recreational Ride
Inclusions:
- Official Santini Event Jersey (valued at $129.95 RRP) as part of your entry fee (Made in Italy). Please note the official jersey must be worn on the day to remain eligible to participate in the TAC People's Ride. Note: A limited number of exchanges may be possible but cannot be guaranteed.
- Ride stickers and rider support throughout the course. Please note due to environmental considerations, we will not be printing temporary rider bibs.
- Course Feed Stations, Mechanical Service, Traffic Managed Roads, Event Medical Services, and Sag Wagon Transport where required.
- Post Ride Recovery Area.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF ALONG THIS ONE-DAY CLASSIC COURSE
The Cadel Classic is a true one-day cycling course, taking in some of the most beautiful coastal views Victoria has to offer.
Again in 2026, our long course gives riders the flexibility of tackling or bypassing the famed Challambra Climb.
Just like the elite men and women in our UCI WorldTour One-Day Classics, and riders at the 2010 UCI Road World Championships, you can experience first-hand the challenge of what the punchy and pivotal 830-metre ascent presents.
Heading south from Geelong to Barwon Heads, the route winds its way through Thirteenth Beach, Torquay and past Bells Beach, before taking on the rolling hills of the Surf Coast Shire.
Finishing on the famous Geelong waterfront, celebrate your ride at the Steampacket Gardens Event Village, or find a vantage spot along the course to catch the Deakin University Women’s Race as the world’s best riders race for glory.
For more information, please click here.

A SMOOTH RIDE OUT AND BACK TO CADEL'S HOMETOWN
An enjoyable ride that passes through the iconic township of Barwon Heads, the 63km course provides a flatter cycling experience for beginner and intermediate riders alike.
This course option excludes the Challambra climb, making it an achievable but scenic option for those wanting to take to the roads themselves as part of our weekend of cycling.
Cadel’s Hometown short course begins with a loop around the Geelong Botanic Gardens, then takes advantage of the smooth surfaces offered on Barwon Heads Road for the out-and-back ride to Cadel’s hometown of Barwon Heads.
Finishing on the famous Geelong waterfront, celebrate your ride at the Steampacket Gardens Event Village, or find a vantage spot along the course to catch the Deakin University Women’s Race as the world’s best riders race for glory.

Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
124km Course Closed
Online registration closed-
The Cadel Classic
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ClosedSept 18 – Jan 3
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A$185.00Jan 4 – Dec 12
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A$166.50Dec 12 – Dec 23
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A$185.00Dec 23 – Jan 1
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A$157.25Jan 1 – Jan 6
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A$185.00Jan 6 – Jan 14
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A$210.00Jan 14 – Jan 31
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124km Course (AusCycling Member Entry) Closed
Online registration closed-
The Cadel Classic
-
ClosedSept 18 – Jan 3
-
A$175.00Jan 4 – Dec 12
-
A$166.50Dec 12 – Dec 23
-
A$175.00Dec 23 – Jan 1
-
A$157.25Jan 1 – Jan 6
-
A$175.00Jan 6 – Jan 14
-
A$200.00Jan 14 – Jan 31
-
63km Course Closed
Online registration closed-
Cadel's Hometown
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ClosedSept 18 – Jan 3
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A$145.00Jan 4 – Dec 12
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A$130.50Dec 12 – Dec 23
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A$145.00Dec 23 – Jan 1
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A$123.25Jan 1 – Jan 6
-
A$145.00Jan 6 – Jan 14
-
A$175.00Jan 14 – Jan 31
-
63km Course (AusCycling Member Entry) Closed
Online registration closed-
Cadel's Hometown
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ClosedSept 18 – Jan 3
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A$135.00Jan 4 – Dec 12
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A$130.50Dec 12 – Dec 23
-
A$135.00Dec 23 – Jan 1
-
A$123.25Jan 1 – Jan 6
-
A$135.00Jan 6 – Jan 14
-
A$165.00Jan 14 – Jan 31
-
Contact information
- Event contact
- Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
- Website
- Visit website