mapei Steps up as Title Sponsor for Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road race,securing Future of Australian Cycling Highlight
Teh Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race has secured a notable boost with Mapei,a global leader in construction chemicals,announced as the event’s new title sponsor. This partnership ensures the future of the prestigious race, encompassing both the men’s and women’s competitions, and promises to elevate its standing on the WorldTour calendar.
!general Manager of Mapei’s Australian operations,MarcoDe Santis with Cadel Evans at the proclamation of the Mapei title sponsorship in Geelong
(Image credit: Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race / Michael Peters)
A Vital Partnership in a Challenging Sponsorship Landscape
In a climate where securing sponsorship within professional cycling is increasingly difficult,Mapei’s commitment is especially welcome. The company has been a long-time supporter of the event, and this expanded partnership demonstrates a willingness to invest in the long-term health of the race.
“They’ve been with us as supportive right from the start,” Cadel Evans told Cyclingnews. “They bring a huge clientele of guests here as part of their corporate hospitality, and to have them come forward as a naming sponsor, I think it’s what every event wants to go to.”
Key Dates for the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Here’s a look at the confirmed dates for the upcoming events:
Surf Coast Classic: January 28-29, 2026 (mid-week races)
mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (Men & Women): January 31 – February 1, 2026
The event consistently draws significant crowds, with over 120,000 visitors attending in 2025. The Victorian Government’s ongoing support through its major event fund has been crucial, but Mapei’s investment adds another layer of stability.
WorldTour status & Future Growth
From 2026, the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will become a mandatory event on the WorldTour calendar. this means you can expect an even higher caliber of competition, with more top-tier teams participating.
This elevation is a key goal for Evans, who envisions a continued rise in the race’s profile. “That for me is really significant – that we increase the quality of the field, the quality of the riders we have, and therefore the quality of the racing,” he explained.
Beyond the Race: A Commitment to Australian Sport
Evans emphasizes the race’s broader impact, aiming to solidify its position not just within the Australian cycling calendar, but as a prominent fixture in the nation’s sporting landscape.
“Beyond that to continue to be a big part of not just the Australian cycling calendar, but the Australian sporting calendar, promoting our sport for years to come,” Evans stated.
This sponsorship isn’t just about a race; it’s about fostering the growth of cycling in Australia and providing a platform for world-class competition. With Mapei’s backing, the future of the Cadel Evans Great ocean Road Race looks brighter than ever.
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