Heat-cancelled Surf Coast Classic replaced by criteriums
Organisers have confirmed a pair of criteriums in Geelong will replace the cancelled Surf Coast Classics as the final lead-in to the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
The newly-named Cadel’s Criterium will take place on a 2 km circuit around Eastern Gardens. The women’s race will run for 20 laps from 13:00 local time, followed by a 25-lap men’s race starting at 14:30. The course was last used for the Geelong Classic in 2024.
The Surf Coast Classics were called off earlier this week due to extreme heat and bushfire risk in the Otways, with temperatures climbing as high as 45°C.
"Safety remains our priority, but we are also eager to deliver elite racing for fans, teams and broadcast audiences where appropriate," said race director Scott Sunderland, adding that the criterium format allows organisers to keep racing on the road while adapting to conditions.
Fire conditions have since eased, and organisers say planning for the weekend’s WorldTour races is proceeding as scheduled, with more moderate temperatures forecast.
