Get ready for an overload of pro cyclists awkwardly cuddling koalas and fondling baby kangaroos, because before the much loved European Classics Season gets underway, there’s a couple of sun soaked Aussie races for the pros to test their legs on. These season opening races provide the perfect outlet to blow away those off-season cobwebs and burn off any extra helpings of Christmas pudding they may have indulged in (here’s looking at you, Cav). It’s also an opportunity to sharpen the tan lines before they return north to duke it out through the freezing fields of Flanders!

First off is the TdU, followed closely by Cadel Evans’ Great Ocean Road Race (now with full World Tour status) and lastly the Herald Sun Tour, won last year by Chris Froome who is returning to defend the title. We should be in for some fantastic early season racing! Make sure you note these dates in your diary:

Santos Tour Down Under

Jan 15th – People’s Choice Classic, 50.6km
Jan 17th – Hostworks Stage 1, 145km
Jan 18th – Staging Connections Stage 2, 148.5km
Jan 19th – Hansgrohe Stage 3, 144km
Jan 20th – BUPA Stage 4, 149.5km
Jan 21st – Bike Exchange Stage 5, 151.5km
Jan 22nd – MAC Stage 6, 90km

Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

Jan 31st – Women’s Elite Race
Feb 1st – Men’s Elite Race

Heral Sun Tour

Feb 3rd – Prologue Individual Time Trial, 2.1km
Feb 4th – Stage 1 Healesville, 126km
Feb 5th – Stage 2 Yarra Glen to Moe, 144km
Feb 6th – Stage 3 Traralgon to Inverloch, 146km
Feb 7th – Stage 4 Arthurs Seat to Mornington, 122km