Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race 2017

The men's Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race may have been elevated to WorldTour status for its third edition in 2017 but the women's race will remain at UCI 1.2 status for another year. Equally as entertaining and enjoyable as the men's race, the women's race has see two solo winners in its first two years with the course rewarding aggressive and courageous riding. Should they line out in January, the Orica-AIS winning duo of Amanda Spratt and Rachel Neylan will be hard to beat.

The race will no longer double as a NRS event in 2017 but it is sure there will be another strong field in attendance fighting it out for the win and UCI points on offer before the women's peloton head back to Europe and continue the 2017 season. In a boost for women's cycling, the race will be broadcast live on free-to-air television for Australian audiences.

For the Beginners' Guide to the Australian racing season, click here. And for the women's start list, click here