The final wave of the Australian January racing block, which starts the season of WorldTour and Women's WorldTour racing, played out on the waterside course of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, once again delivering a predictable level of unpredictability.
The dynamic courses, the early-season date and the opportunity for domestic riders and emerging talents to make their mark all combine to provide an explosive mix. This year was no different. The plans of the favourites were largely frustrated but a new generation of riders got an opportunity to draw a line in the sand.
