Cadel Evans Road Race Women 2026
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Ally Wollaston won the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Geelong, defending her title from last year and taking her third victory of 2026 ahead of Josie Nelson and Mireia Benito. An early solo break by Petra Stiasny was allowed a big gap but was reeled in once the wind and the pace lifted, setting up a nervous finale shaped by crashes and repeated attacks over Challambra Crescent. Mavi García tried a late move to force a split, but it regrouped for a sprint where Wollaston simply had the fastest finish.
How to watch?
Wondering how to watch the 2026 women’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race? Our how to watch guide lists every broadcaster and streaming option, with all the details in one place.
Route
Starting and finishing at Steampacket Gardens on the Geelong waterfront, the women’s race heads east on fast, exposed roads toward Curlewis before turning south past Lake Connewarre and through Ocean Grove. The peloton crosses the Barwon Heads Bridge and rides through Barwon Heads, with the Thirteenth Beach coastline often bringing crosswinds on the run into Torquay.
In Torquay, the route charges along The Esplanade, turns up Bell Street and tracks west behind Jan Juc, before the descent past Bells Beach is followed by a steep climb away from the cliffs and a steady drag inland to Moriac. From there, the road continues to rise toward Barrabool, a key section for pressure and attacks as the race approaches halfway, before turning east via Gnarwarre Road through Ceres and back into Geelong.
The return to the city signals two 21km finishing circuits for the elite women, centred around the decisive Challambra Crescent climb. From Barwon Boulevard to the top it is 1km at 8.7 percent, peaking at 11 percent, with QOM points on offer and the race often splitting on the steepest ramps.
After the summit, the course drops away through a technical run past Queens Park and back onto the waterfront, where the final downhill approach sets up a tactical sprint for the line in Geelong.
Favourites
Ally Wollaston is the standout favourite. The New Zealander, riding for FDJ United-SUEZ, has already taken two stage wins at the Tour Down Under and returns as the defending champion of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
It makes sense that most eyes will be on her. The most likely challengers look to be Noemi Rüegg, Paula Blasi and Visma’s Sarah Van Dam.
The full startlist is available here.
