The announcement of the Women’s Surf Coast Classic as part of the lead-in events for the 2025 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race marks a pivotal moment for women's cycling in Australia. Confirmed on October 22, 2024, this new UCI 1.1 ranked race is not only set to expand the cycling calendar but also to enhance the visibility and recognition of female athletes in the sport.
Scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Women’s Surf Coast Classic will challenge riders with a 118-kilometer course that starts in the picturesque town of Lorne. The route features a demanding 10-kilometer uphill climb toward Dean Marsh, testing endurance and grit right from the outset. Following this significant ascent, cyclists will navigate the undulating terrain through the scenic Surf Coast Shire and charming country townships, all leading to a climactic sprint finish along The Esplanade in Torquay. This final stretch promises not only a test of speed but also a showcase of strategy on the slightly downhill run into the coastal town.
One of the most commendable aspects of the Women’s Surf Coast Classic is its commitment to equality, offering equal prize money to the men’s event. This initiative reflects a growing trend in professional sports where equal recognition and opportunities are essential for fostering female participation. The move aligns with broader efforts seen globally to promote gender equity in athletics, making this race a landmark event in Australia’s cycling narrative.
The Women’s Surf Coast Classic will serve as a vital precursor to the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, which has been a staple of the cycling calendar since its inception in 2015. The men's race achieved WorldTour status in 2017, followed by the women's race in 2020, reflecting the increasing significance of these events in the international cycling scene. With the evolution of this race, including the change in course direction in 2023, the 2025 edition is set to return to the original clockwise route, adding a layer of historical context and excitement.
The broader Australian cycling calendar is gearing up for a thrilling summer with the National Championships from January 8 to 12, followed by Women’s WorldTour and WorldTour events in South Australia from January 17 to 26. The inclusion of the Women’s Surf Coast Classic provides an exciting transition point, allowing local riders to gain momentum before facing international competition.
As the Women’s Surf Coast Classic approaches, it is expected to attract top-tier women's teams and riders, elevating the race's profile. The men’s race will cover 184 kilometers, challenging competitors with significant elevation gain. In contrast, the women’s race, while slightly shorter at 142 kilometers, still poses formidable physical demands with over 1,400 meters of elevation to conquer.
Race Director Scott Sunderland expressed enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the positive reception it received during its initial trial run in 2024 among international elite men’s teams. Sunderland’s anticipation for the women’s race is a testament to the growing recognition of female riders and the vibrant cycling community in Australia.
The introduction of the Women’s Surf Coast Classic could serve as a catalyst for more women-specific cycling events in Australia, inspiring a new generation of female cyclists. It underscores the importance of equal prize money and recognition in sports, potentially influencing other disciplines to follow suit.
The excitement surrounding this new race encapsulates a moment of growth for women's cycling and sets the stage for an exhilarating start to the 2025 cycling season. The Women’s Surf Coast Classic is not merely a race; it's a celebration of talent, endurance, and equality in cycling, echoing the commitment to elevate women's sports on a global scale. As riders prepare to tackle the challenging course, they will not only be racing for victory but also for recognition in a sport that is rapidly evolving and embracing inclusivity.
Scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Women’s Surf Coast Classic will challenge riders with a 118-kilometer course that starts in the picturesque town of Lorne. The route features a demanding 10-kilometer uphill climb toward Dean Marsh, testing endurance and grit right from the outset. Following this significant ascent, cyclists will navigate the undulating terrain through the scenic Surf Coast Shire and charming country townships, all leading to a climactic sprint finish along The Esplanade in Torquay. This final stretch promises not only a test of speed but also a showcase of strategy on the slightly downhill run into the coastal town.
One of the most commendable aspects of the Women’s Surf Coast Classic is its commitment to equality, offering equal prize money to the men’s event. This initiative reflects a growing trend in professional sports where equal recognition and opportunities are essential for fostering female participation. The move aligns with broader efforts seen globally to promote gender equity in athletics, making this race a landmark event in Australia’s cycling narrative.
The Women’s Surf Coast Classic will serve as a vital precursor to the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, which has been a staple of the cycling calendar since its inception in 2015. The men's race achieved WorldTour status in 2017, followed by the women's race in 2020, reflecting the increasing significance of these events in the international cycling scene. With the evolution of this race, including the change in course direction in 2023, the 2025 edition is set to return to the original clockwise route, adding a layer of historical context and excitement.
The broader Australian cycling calendar is gearing up for a thrilling summer with the National Championships from January 8 to 12, followed by Women’s WorldTour and WorldTour events in South Australia from January 17 to 26. The inclusion of the Women’s Surf Coast Classic provides an exciting transition point, allowing local riders to gain momentum before facing international competition.
As the Women’s Surf Coast Classic approaches, it is expected to attract top-tier women's teams and riders, elevating the race's profile. The men’s race will cover 184 kilometers, challenging competitors with significant elevation gain. In contrast, the women’s race, while slightly shorter at 142 kilometers, still poses formidable physical demands with over 1,400 meters of elevation to conquer.
Race Director Scott Sunderland expressed enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the positive reception it received during its initial trial run in 2024 among international elite men’s teams. Sunderland’s anticipation for the women’s race is a testament to the growing recognition of female riders and the vibrant cycling community in Australia.
The introduction of the Women’s Surf Coast Classic could serve as a catalyst for more women-specific cycling events in Australia, inspiring a new generation of female cyclists. It underscores the importance of equal prize money and recognition in sports, potentially influencing other disciplines to follow suit.
The excitement surrounding this new race encapsulates a moment of growth for women's cycling and sets the stage for an exhilarating start to the 2025 cycling season. The Women’s Surf Coast Classic is not merely a race; it's a celebration of talent, endurance, and equality in cycling, echoing the commitment to elevate women's sports on a global scale. As riders prepare to tackle the challenging course, they will not only be racing for victory but also for recognition in a sport that is rapidly evolving and embracing inclusivity.
