Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race announces inaugural naming rights partner

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is thrilled to announce Mapei as the inaugural naming rights partner of the premier international one-day cycling event in Australia.

A premium partner since the race’s inception in 2015, Mapei has marked the 10th anniversary of the WorldTour event by extending its commitment for another 3 years.

Inspired by Europe’s prestigious one-day classics, the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race has grown into one of the biggest annual sporting events in regional Australia.

The 2026 race will welcome the world’s best Men’s and Women’s professional riders to Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast regions from 28 January – 1 February 2026.

With its foundations established over 10 years, the annual event is the only Men’s and Women’s UCI WorldTour one-day races on Australia’s cycling calendar and attracts 120,000 fans to the region. 

Supported by the Victorian Government, the race showcases the natural beauty and cultural richness of Victoria’s iconic Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road to a global audience of millions in 140 countries. 

The race blends elite competition with community celebration – bringing together world-class athletes, passionate fans, and everyday riders. It’s more than a race - it’s a festival of cycling, featuring the elite men’s and women’s races, the TAC People’s Ride, the GeelongPort Family Ride and the UCI ProSeries Surf Coast Classics. 

The event champions inclusivity, road safety, and active living, with equal prize money awarded across elite categories and a strong focus on community engagement. 

Quote attributable to the General Manager of Mapei Australia, Marco De Santis

“As a company deeply rooted in the cycling community, Mapei recognise the same values as the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race - passion, resilience, and driving for excellence. Mapei has proudly been a premium partner of the event since its inception, and with our decades-long relationship with Cadel Evans, stepping up as the naming partner has made the collaboration a true celebration of Australian cycling.”

“The partnership allows us to contribute resources in our network and exemplify how international businesses like Mapei can contribute to local culture and events and make a positive difference within the community, promoting healthy lifestyles and inspiring future generations to chase their dreams.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens

“The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race brings huge crowds to our region, who flock to bars, restaurants and hotels across the region – delivering a huge boost to local businesses.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant

“Few events combine elite sport with such a stunning backdrop – making it a spectacular experience for riders, spectators, and visitors alike and showcasing the best of Victoria to people watching on around the world.”

Quote attributable to Race founder and Tour de France champion, Cadel Evans

“I am both honoured and proud that a company like Mapei have decided to increase their already unwavering support for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. The Mapei brand is a prestigious one in world cycling from their super team to sponsoring the UCI Road World Championships and now, naming rights sponsor of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. With Mapei by our side we look forward to the future of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race with excitement at what we can achieve.”