Named in his honour – the former World Champion and Tour de France winner- Cadel Evans, joined the Victorian Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren in Geelong today, to announce the dates for next year’s event, Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31, 2016.

Minister Eren said the inaugural Event in January this year, had been a huge success for Victoria and the local region, attracting some of the world’s best riders and cycling teams to the State.

“The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race gives Victorians and our guests from interstate and abroad a chance to pay tribute to a national sporting icon, and an unprecedented opportunity to ride the renowned circuit themselves.”

“This region is one of the most picturesque settings in world cycling. This is our chance to showcase our natural strengths to the world.”

The Elite Men’s Road Race has now secured ‘in principle’* support for 1.HC classification from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), one level below UCI WorldTour, a significant achievement in only the event’s second year.

Cadel Evans said he was delighted that the race was being increasingly, formally recognised by both the world’s best teams and the international cycling federation.

Having officially retired from competitive cycling following the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in 2015, in 2016, Cadel will join cycling enthusiasts in the Momentum Energy People’s Ride.

“I’m really thrilled that this year’s inaugural event was so well received,” said Cadel, “And delighted that now in my retirement, I’ll be able to join in the excitement of the very popular Momentum Energy People’s Ride. I’d encourage riders to register quickly to ensure they secure a place in this fantastic event.”

Two UCI WorldTeams have already confirmed they will line up for the 2016 event, Cadel’s former team BMC Racing and Orica GreenEDGE, with more likely to confirm in the coming months. The Event is in advanced stages of negotiations with a number of the world’s leading teams.

The Men’s Road Race, Elite Women’s Race and the Momentum Energy People’s Ride, will travel through some of the most beautiful and iconic areas of Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula and surf coast, including some of Cadel Evans’ favourite riding routes.

The route for the 2016 Men’s and Women’s Elite races remains unchanged.  The 2015 races demonstrated it is a challenging and authentic one day course that allows an attacking style of race, synonymous with the European Spring Classics.

The race is set to start on Geelong’s waterfront, travel through Cadel Evans’ home town of Barwon Heads, Thirteenth Beach, Torquay, Bells Beach, Moriac and then culminate with a dramatic finish on Geelong’s waterfront.

Vice President of cycling’s world governing body the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Tracey Gaudry also attended the launch to show her support of the event.

“As President of UCI Oceania I am delighted to see the impact that the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race has had for cycling in Australia,” she said.

“The contribution Cadel Evans has made to Australian cycling cannot be underestimated and I am pleased that the UCI has awarded the event an in-principle 1.HC classification as part of our commitment to growing the profile, appeal and participation in cycling worldwide.”

2015 Momentum Energy People’s Ride Participants can receive priority entry and 2015 pricing from July 13 to July 20.

A second round of priority bookings for the Momentum Energy People’s Ride will be offered to people who join the waitlist before July 20, as well as Cycling Australia members. To register and receive priority entry from July 21, visit the website.

General public registrations for the Momentum Energy People’s Ride open on Tuesday July 28 visit the website.