Matt Hewson
The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race has announced the courses for next year’s edition of its much-loved People’s Ride program.
The 2024 TAC People’s Ride will be held on Saturday, January 27 of the annual cycling festival, offering two courses: the 114-kilometre Cadel Classic and the 59-kilometre Cadel’s Hometown course.
Both courses begin at the same start line as the UCI World Tour race in Geelong and make for Barwon Heads, with the short course returning to Geelong thereafter.
The Cadel Classic continues to Torquay and Bells Beach before turning north towards Mount Moriac and Barrabool and tackling the challenging Challambra climb in Highton.
The event gives cyclists the chance to ride with Australian cycling legend Cadel Evans, who said he always looked forward to the People’s Ride.
“The camaraderie and coming together of so many people from all types of backgrounds and with all levels of ability, to go for a beautiful bike ride together, is just a very special thing,” he said.
“It’s a chance to ride with friends and meet new people on the roads of a beautiful region I am so proud to call my home.”
Evans said between the two courses there was something for everyone.
“The 59-kilometre ride provides riders the focus of getting to Barwon Heads and experiencing the scenic beauty of Thirteenth Beach in your own peloton,” he said.
“I think the ride is achievable for nearly everyone as long as you prepare properly and undertake some training prior.
“The 114-kilometre ride is for those that ride regularly and are looking for the personal challenge or to achieve their personal best.
“The bonus for both rides is that it’s rare not to see a WorldTour team out training in preparation for the big race and they’re generally pretty happy for you to hitch a ride on the back, at least for a few kilometres before reality kicks in!”
