Nikias Arndt (Team Sunweb) and Annemiek van Vlueten (ORICA-SCOTT) will return to Melbourne and Victoria to defend their titles at the 2018 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
Arndt, 26, recorded his fifth professional win in the 2017 edition of the UCI WorldTour Elite Men’s Race after staging an incredible comeback.
After being distanced on the Challambra Crescent climb, Arndt said this week the stoic victory in the modern-day classic was: “The biggest win of my career”.
“It’s very physical, it’s a hard race, it’s the perfect race. I’m training hard already, preparing well and looking forward to getting the chance to defend it,” he said.
Australian cycling fans will be especially thrilled to see the German powerhouse return after his instrumental support of Australian teammate Michael Matthews to win the Green Jersey in this year’s Tour de France.
Although Arndt’s elevated reputation in peloton now attracts more attention.
“Everyone will make it a bit harder for me [at the 2018 Cadel Road Race]. Everyone knows of me more, so they will try to attack me. That’s what I expect but, so far, I’m in good shape and I will go for it,” Arndt said.
With the Deakin University Elite Women’s Race also being elevated to UCI 1.1 classification next year, the lineup in 2018 will be the best yet.
The return of the world’s fastest woman in cycling, van Vleuten, is exciting for fans and organisers alike. The Dutch star became the 2017 World Time Trial Champion in September – just 13 months after crashing heavily in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games road race.
After winning gold in Norway, the 34-year-old said: “The downs make the ups even more beautiful. [Winning the world title] after crashing in Rio makes the story really special.”
The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race also features opportunities for the whole family, with the 2018 Swisse People’s Ride returning.
Register for the 35km, 65km or 111km course to ride with Cadel Evans, Australia’s only Tour de France winner and three-time Tour de France champion, Greg LeMond.
One of the most popular aspects of the Swisse People’s Ride is starting and finishing at the same race day precinct as some of the world’s best cyclists.
After the ride, sit back and recover while watching the Deakin University Elite Women’s Race, and return the next day to see the UCI WorldTour Elite Men’s Race cap off Australia’s ultimate cycling weekend.
Every rider receives an exclusive 2018 Swisse People’s Ride Santini Jersey, valued at $A129.95.
The lightweight, breathable and antibacterial jersey is packed with the same performance technologies as those worn by the pros.
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