Welcome Wave returns to celebrate world’s best female cyclists

Published on 12 January 2023

The world’s best female cyclists will receive a memorable local welcome as part of their Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (CEGORR) preparation, as Surf Coast Shire Council’s Welcome Wave returns for the first time since 2020.

To be held Wednesday 25 January, the Welcome Wave will officially welcome competitors in the CEOGRR Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race.

It will start with a Wadawurrung Welcome to Country at the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club, followed by a dinner with cycling champion Cadel Evans who will help celebrate the teams competing in the UCI Women’s WorldTour event on Saturday 28 January.

Surf Coast Shire Mayor Liz Pattison was excited to give the cyclists a warm Surf Coast welcome.

“We’re delighted the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is returning after a couple of pandemic-interrupted years,” she said.

“I’ve heard the Welcome Wave has been a highlight for the elite women cyclists in past years. This year will include a moving Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, a relaxed dinner with special guest Cadel and some fun activities.

“These athletes are fantastic role models, so we’re pleased to team up with official event partner Deakin University to provide the cyclists with the praise and recognition they deserve.”

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race Deakin University Elite Women’s Race is likely to pass through Torquay between 1:30pm and 2:15pm on Saturday 28 January.

In 2023, the course will be in reverse to previous years. Riders still start and finish in Geelong, and first wind through the hinterland townships of Moriac and Modewarre, past Bells Beach, Torquay and then on to Barwon Heads and the Bellarine Peninsula. Torquay will also host a sprint section for points along The Esplanade between Price Street and Anderson Street.

The Elite Men’s Race will be held Sunday 29 January, and expected to pass through Torquay between 12:15pm and 1pm. There will be a rolling road closure for both elite races, with Victoria Police to close roads ahead of the race and progressively re-open the roads after cyclists and support vehicles have passed.

“The rolling road closure is expected to pass through in 15 to 20 minutes and we appreciate our community’s patience to allow the event to progress smoothly,” Mayor Pattison said.

“The Cadel race strengthens our status as Regional Victoria’s premier events destination. It also delivers incredible social and economic benefits, showcasing the Surf Coast to a global audience through the race coverage.”

For more information on CEGORR, including the full course so you can plan where to watch the race, visit cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au.