A Paris Olympic Gold Medallist is the new face of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
Grace Brown was announced as the new ambassador for the road race around Geelong, Barwon Heads and Torquay on Monday November 18.
Ms Brown said she was excited to support riders during the five-day cycling festival, which will run from January 29 to February 2 and will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.
“It’s really special to be able to transition from a competitor in past years to now becoming an ambassador for the People’s Ride here,” she said.
“It’s a beautiful way to integrate back into the community. I grew up in Camperdown, not too far from Geelong, and this region was special to me in my youth.
“I love watching cycling races so I’m keen to be there on the other side watching the screen and sharing insights with people around me about what it’s like to be in there.”
Tour de France winner Cadel Evans said he was excited to have Ms Brown be part of the cycling festival following her Olympic success and looked forward to the People’s Ride on February 1.
The People’s Ride will give more than 3000 cyclists of all ages and abilities the chance to ride on the same course as elite cyclists.
“I’m so delighted that the race has continued to grow and on the sporting side, it’s been a good consistent growth,” Mr Evans said.
“Grace inspired the nation earlier this year at the Paris Olympics. Having her on the start line for the People’s Ride is an incredible opportunity for cycling fans to ride alongside an Australian champion.
“(I’m expecting) more unpredictable and exciting racing. The exact team and what riders are coming out to complete are still to be decided, but I am sure it will be a bigger and stronger event.”
City of Greater Geelong will increase its sponsorship contribution for the event to $250,000, allowing for a revamped course for the men’s and women’s races and a new loop around Geelong Botanic Gardens.
Ms Brown said that once she got onto a bike, she “found a new confidence” in herself and encouraged everyone to give cycling a go.
“At the start, it may seem quite a scary sport to get involved in, but the things that you learn and the community that support you on the road is really valuable,” she said.
“Cycling is fun, adventurous and it gives you an outlet in so many ways. So, I definitely recommend for young girls to get on a bike and see what they can do. They might surprise themselves.”
