Race organizer, Mapei, increases role as title sponsor at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, fortifying links tracing back to the Australian's career origin.
The popular Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is set to undergo a significant transformation in 2026, as it becomes a mandatory part of the WorldTour calendar. The race, which has been a significant part of the Australian cycling and sporting calendars since its inception in 2015, attracted 120,000 visitors in 2025.
The increased attendance and growing popularity of the race have not gone unnoticed. Cadel Evans, the only Tour de France winner from Australia, expressed his happiness about Mapei taking first billing on the title, and believes that with Mapei's support, the future of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race looks promising.
Mapei, the title sponsor of the race, has shown a willingness to continue its support for the event. The partnership between Mapei and Cadel Evans has been extended for another three years, and the race will be known as the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race from 2026.
Cadel Evans emphasizes the importance of increasing the quality of the field, riders, and racing in the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. To this end, the number of top-tier teams attending the race will increase from 2026, and the race will feature both men's and women's competitions.
The Victorian Government's major event fund has supported the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race since its inception, and the race will take place on January 31 and February 1 in 2026. In the days leading up to the main event, the mid-week Surf Coast Classic races will take place on January 28 and 29.
Mapei also brings a large clientele of guests to the race as part of its corporate hospitality, further contributing to the event's success. Cadel Evans hopes that the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will continue to be a significant part of the Australian cycling and sporting calendars, and that the increased quality of the field and racing will further elevate the race's status.
