SYDNEY - Australia's only winner of the Tour de France Cadel Evans Wednesday said he had achieved his vision for his namesake race in his "cycling backyard" with its placement on the UCI WorldTour racing calendar.
The Victorian state government says it will extend its support for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race for three years
The Victorian state government also said it would extend its support for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, a 174-kilometre (108-mile) men's one-day event, for three years from 2017 to 2019.
"I am absolutely delighted that our vision has been realised and Australia now has its own modern one-day classic," Evans said in a statement.
"To have such an important race showcase a beautiful region that feels like my 'cycling backyard' is something I am very proud of."
Britain's Peter Kennaugh won the second edition of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in January on the course designed by Evans and former professional cyclist Scott Sunderland.
The course starts at Geelong's waterfront, south west of Melbourne, and travels through Evans' hometown of Barwon Heads before Torquay and Bells Beach and the rolling hills of Moriac.
"To have the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race join the UCI WorldTour in only its third year is an exceptional achievement and is fantastic for the growth of the sport in this region," said UCI vice president Tracey Gaudry.