Race on Great Ocean Road in 2025 featuring cyclist Cadel Evans

The 10th edition of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, a prestigious one-day contest at the WorldTour level, took place on February 2, 2025, in Geelong, south-west of Melbourne. This year's race marked a significant milestone for Team Visma - Lease a Bike, as they clinched their first victory in the event's history.

The 183.8km race route, which has become known for its challenging terrain, passed through the picturesque Surf Coast and undulating inland farmland hills. The course included more than 2,000 metres of elevation gain, featuring the punchy Challambra climb, a notorious section that has been known to split the field in the past.

Laurence Pithie of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe put up a strong performance, finishing third in the race. Aaron Gate of XDS Astana came in second, while the winner, Mauro Schmid of Jayco-AlUla, crossed the finish line first. Interestingly, Pithie had won the race last year in Geelong, with Natnael Tesfazion of Lidl-Trek finishing second.

This year's race was the second event on the calendar for the men's WorldTour, following the Santos Tour Down Under. The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race has come a long way since its inception in 2015, moving to the WorldTour two years later.

The race concluded with a 21km finishing circuit back in Geelong, where the excitement reached its peak. Schmid, a talented young rider, demonstrated his prowess by outperforming his competitors in the final stretch, securing the victory for Team Visma - Lease a Bike.

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race continues to attract top cyclists from around the world, with its scenic route and challenging terrain making it a favourite among riders and fans alike. As the race enters its second decade, it promises to maintain its reputation as one of the most exciting and challenging events on the WorldTour calendar.