By Luke Voogt
Geelong’s premier women’s cycling race will appear live on television for the first time next year.
Victorian Minister for Tourism, John Eren, made the announcement on Tuesday, making Deakin University Elite Women’s Race the first women’s ride live on Australian TV since 2010.
“This is another win for gender equality in sport,” Mr Eren said.
“The star-studded line-up for the race is simply outstanding. We knew the Elite Women’s Race would attract some of the world’s best cyclists.“
Fourteen teams will compete in the race, in its second year on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar.
Cadel Evans – Australia’s only Tour de France winner – was thrilled the event had attracted some of the world’s top female teams and riders.
“To have (the race) broadcast live places us on par with other big women’s races such as La Course,” Evans said at the announcement.
“(I) can’t wait to watch the race.”
Australia’s own UCI Women’s Team, ORICA-AIS, will return with defending champion, Amanda Spratt set to defend her 2016 title.
“It’s great to see so many strong teams confirmed for 2017,” Spratt said.
“This will definitely lift the standard of racing but we’ll be working hard to continue our winning streak. The race itself is one of the best organised in the world.
“The atmosphere coming up the straight being cheered on by an energetic Aussie crowd is amazing.”
Starting at the Geelong Waterfront at 11.45am, the 113km Deakin University Elite Women’s Race follows the majority of the men’s course.
It will travel through Cadel Evans’s home town Barwon Heads, Torquay and along Great Ocean Road, before heading back to the Geelong finish line.
The ride is part of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, which also features a 65km and 111km course where participants can ride with Evans.
Channel Seven will broadcast the race live on 28 January.
