Skip to event navigation Skip to main content

2026 TAC People's Ride

Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

669466ac2308c.jpg

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.

Not just a commitment to ourselves, the ride is a coming together of like-minded individuals, sharing challenges, experiences and satisfaction on the ride, and enjoying aftermath of the ride whilst watching the UCI WorldTour elite road races that follow. It’s like running onto the MCG before the AFL Grand Final!

667909441030a.jpg


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.

6678e4d994f7d.jpg

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.

6678e4f998072.jpg

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.

6678e50da71ad.jpg


Registration fees

Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.

124km Course Closed

Online registration closed

  • The Cadel Classic

    1. Closed
      Sept 18 – Jan 3
    2. A$185.00
      Jan 4 – Dec 12
    3. A$166.50
      Dec 12 – Dec 23
    4. A$185.00
      Dec 23 – Jan 1
    5. A$157.25
      Jan 1 – Jan 6
    6. A$185.00
      Jan 6 – Jan 14
    7. A$210.00
      Jan 14 – Jan 31

124km Course (AusCycling Member Entry) Closed

Online registration closed

  • The Cadel Classic

    1. Closed
      Sept 18 – Jan 3
    2. A$175.00
      Jan 4 – Dec 12
    3. A$166.50
      Dec 12 – Dec 23
    4. A$175.00
      Dec 23 – Jan 1
    5. A$157.25
      Jan 1 – Jan 6
    6. A$175.00
      Jan 6 – Jan 14
    7. A$200.00
      Jan 14 – Jan 31

63km Course Closed

Online registration closed

  • Cadel's Hometown

    1. Closed
      Sept 18 – Jan 3
    2. A$145.00
      Jan 4 – Dec 12
    3. A$130.50
      Dec 12 – Dec 23
    4. A$145.00
      Dec 23 – Jan 1
    5. A$123.25
      Jan 1 – Jan 6
    6. A$145.00
      Jan 6 – Jan 14
    7. A$175.00
      Jan 14 – Jan 31

63km Course (AusCycling Member Entry) Closed

Online registration closed

  • Cadel's Hometown

    1. Closed
      Sept 18 – Jan 3
    2. A$135.00
      Jan 4 – Dec 12
    3. A$130.50
      Dec 12 – Dec 23
    4. A$135.00
      Dec 23 – Jan 1
    5. A$123.25
      Jan 1 – Jan 6
    6. A$135.00
      Jan 6 – Jan 14
    7. A$165.00
      Jan 14 – Jan 31

Contact information

Event contact
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Website
Visit website