As Cadel Evans launched into his road cycling career and quickly made his mark by stepping into the maglia rosa for a day at the 2002 edition of the Giro d'Italia, Mapei was the sponsor name emblazoned on his cycling cap. 23 years later, on a windy early spring day in Geelong, Australia's only Tour de France winner once again pulled on a cap with the familiar brand on the front as the association that started with his time at the Mapei-Quickstep team has endured well beyond Evans' race years – the maker of adhesives, sealants and chemicals for the building industry has now become the title sponsor of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
Mapei, which began in Italy and grew its reach internationally, has been involved as a main sponsor of the early season one-day race right from the beginning in 2015 but from 2026 the event will be known as the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
