Surf Coast Classics cancelled due to heightened bushfire danger
The 2026 Surf Coast Classic Women’s and Men’s races have been cancelled due to bushfire conditions and the weather situation in the Great Ocean Road region.
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The Australian one-day races that were scheduled for Wednesday, 28 January, and Thursday, 29 January will not take place following discussions between the race organisers, Victoria Police and the emergency services.
The risk of bushfire amid unpredictable and volatile weather conditions meant that evacuation routes needed to be kept clear, and the resources of both the Victoria Police and emergency services needed to be focused on public safety rather than on the races.
“The safety of our riders, teams, staff, volunteers and spectators remains our highest priority,” said Race Director Scott Sunderland in an official statement. “Given the bushfire situation across the region and the advice from Victoria Police and emergency services, the safest and most responsible decision in the conditions is to cancel the races scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.”
This is not the first incident of races being impacted due to fire danger and weather conditions this season. Stage 4 of the Santos Tour Down Under was altered significantly, removing three ascents of the Willunga Hill climb following an extreme fire danger rating and forecast temperatures of up to 43 degrees.
“While it’s unfortunate to cancel these two fantastic events, I’d like to acknowledge the CFA, Victoria Police, local authorities and our event partners for their strong collaboration and timely guidance throughout this process,” added Sunderland. “We’ll continue to work closely with emergency services and local authorities on whether it is safe and appropriate to hold an alternative event.”
Tobias Lund Andresen and Ally Wollaston were the respective winners of each race last year, and both riders have already started 2026 with success by winning stages at the Santos Tour Down Under.
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