What Is 2017 Great Ocean Road Race

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Great Ocean Road Race was a one-day professional cycling race held on January 29, 2017, in Victoria, Australia. It was the inaugural edition of the race, won by German rider André Greipel in a sprint finish.

Key Facts

The race took place on January 29, 2017
It covered a distance of 154.8 kilometers
André Greipel won with a time of 3h 39' 28"
18 teams participated, including 7 WorldTour squads
The race started in Torquay and finished in Geelong

Overview

The 2017 Great Ocean Road Race marked the first edition of what would become a prominent fixture in the international cycling calendar. Held in Victoria, Australia, the race was designed to showcase the scenic coastal route along the Great Ocean Road, drawing elite riders from around the world.

Organized as part of the UCI Asia Tour in Category 1.1, the race attracted top-tier professional teams despite its inaugural status. The event was strategically scheduled at the end of January, aligning with the start of the Southern Hemisphere summer and serving as a competitive opener for many European-based riders.

Start and finish: The race began in Torquay, a coastal town known for surfing, and concluded in Geelong, approximately 15 kilometers inland.
Distance: Riders covered a total of 154.8 kilometers, featuring a mix of flat stretches and rolling terrain ideal for sprinters and breakaway attempts.
Winner:André Greipel of Team Lotto–Soudal claimed victory in a tightly contested sprint, marking his first win of the 2017 season.
Second and third:Elia Viviani (Team Sky) finished second, while Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) came in third after a strong lead-out.
Weather conditions: The race was run under clear skies with temperatures around 22°C (72°F), providing ideal racing conditions for high speeds.

How It Works

The Great Ocean Road Race is structured as a single-day road cycling event with a mass start and a finish line sprint, typical of classic European-style one-day races. The route design emphasizes both safety and spectator accessibility, with closed roads and marked zones for fans.

Format:One-day race with a single start and finish; no time trials or stages involved, making it a pure test of endurance and tactics.
Eligible teams:18 professional squads participated, including WorldTour, ProContinental, and Continental-level teams, selected by the organizers and UCI regulations.
Route profile: The course included three categorized climbs, though none were steep enough to deter sprinters, leading to a bunch finish.
Timing system:Transponder-based chips were used to record split times and final results, ensuring accuracy to the millisecond.
Prize money: The winner received A$25,000, with decreasing amounts down to 10th place, as per UCI 1.1 event standards.
Broadcast: The race was televised live in 12 countries, including Australia, Germany, and the UK, enhancing its international visibility.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2017 race can be compared to other early-season classics based on distance, winner type, and competitive depth.

Event	Year	Distance	Winner	Winner's Time
Great Ocean Road Race	2017	154.8 km	André Greipel	3h 39' 28"
Milano–San Remo	2017	291 km	Michał Kwiatkowski	6h 51' 48"
Tour Down Under Stage 1	2017	135.5 km	Caleb Ewan	3h 02' 10"
Paris–Roubaix	2017	257.5 km	Greg Van Avermaet	6h 07' 16"
Amstel Gold Race	2017	258 km	Enrico Gasparotto	6h 28' 45"

While shorter than most European classics, the 2017 Great Ocean Road Race served a similar purpose: launching the season with competitive racing. Its sprint-friendly profile contrasted with the cobbled or hilly routes of Belgium and the Netherlands, but it still tested team coordination and positioning.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Great Ocean Road Race helped establish Australia as a serious host of world-class cycling events outside the traditional European circuit. It provided valuable early-season racing opportunities for athletes adjusting to the Southern Hemisphere calendar.

Global exposure: The race was broadcast in over 120 countries, boosting tourism and international awareness of Victoria’s scenic coastline.
Local economy: Host towns reported a 17% increase in tourism revenue during race weekend, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and retail.
Athlete development: Australian riders like Michael Matthews gained confidence competing against top-tier international sprinters.
Sustainability efforts: The event implemented a zero-waste initiative, recycling 92% of race-generated materials.
Future editions: The success led to the race becoming an annual event, with the 2024 edition still on the UCI calendar.
Gender inclusion: By 2018, a women’s race was added, reflecting growing support for equal prize money and coverage.

The 2017 race laid the foundation for a sustainable, internationally recognized cycling event that combines athletic competition with regional promotion and environmental responsibility.