The Surf Coast Classic, formerly known as Race Torquay, was created in recent years to fill the gap between the Tour Down Under and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. The race is designed for the sprinters to have another opportunity to chase a win. We preview the race ahead.
The race features 157 kilometers and interestingly, the toughest section is the very start. We should see riders on the rollers before the start, as right after the flag is waved the rider ascent Silk Hill, 10 kilometers in length averaging just above 4%.
It's not a brutal climb, but it isn't an easy one either, and will allow the opportunity for a strong breakaway to form itself. However most of the day will indeed be flat, and afterwards the sprinter teams should be in full control of the race. As the name suggests, the race will finish right by the sea where the wind can influence the outcome of the race.
However regardless of there being echelons or not, a bunch sprint seems inevitable. In Torquay, we will have a non-technical sprint right by the sea, where some of the strongest sprinters who made the trip to Australia should fight for another pro win.
Prediction Surf Coast Classic 2025:
*** Sam Welsford
** Tobias Lund Andresen, Bryan Coquard
* Casper Pedersen, Matthew Walls, Lewis Askey, Arne Marit, Tim Torn Teutenberg. Corbin Strong
Pick: Sam Welsford
Original: Rúben Silva