ORICA-GreenEDGE will be aiming for victory in the second edition of Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race taking place this Sunday in Geelong.

After a successful start to the 2016 season, in-form Australian’s Caleb Ewan andSimon Gerrans will lead the seven-man squad, fresh from their multiple stage wins and overall success at the recent Santos Tour Down Under.

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is said to mimic a European style classic, which has the potential for an unpredictable finale.

Last year’s inaugural edition looked likely for a sprint finish, however the tough finishing circuit and strong winds split the peloton, resulting in a select bunch coming to the line together.

This year ORICA-GreenEDGE head into the race prepared with multiple cards to play.

“Going into this race, we're not under pressure,” said sports director Matt Wilson. “Coming off the back of a successful Santos Tour Down Under we've got plenty of options, different cards to play and we're expecting a hard race.

“Its a really aggressive sort of race, so were going to use guys at different times.”

Ewan and Gerrans will have a strong team behind them with the ever-consistent domestique Mathew Hayman, and lead-out man Mitch Docker set to play key roles. Damien Howson and new signing for 2016 Jack Haig will be ready to continue their support duties, along with New Zealander Sam Bewley who lines up for the first time with the team this year rounding up the strong seven-man squad.

Similarly to the women’s event the race will see classification jump up to a UCI 1.HC status, allowing for more World Tour team participation. It’s set to be an eventful race with the 174km route replicating the 2015 edition which starts and finishes along the scenic Geelong Waterfront, kicking off at 11.10am January 31st.

ORICA-GreenEDGE at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (31 Jan):
Sam Bewley (NZ, 28)
Mitch Docker (AUS, VIC, 29)
Caleb Ewan (AUS, NSW, 21)
Simon Gerrans (AUS, VIC, 35)
Jack Haig (AUS, VIC, 22)
Mathew Hayman (AUS, NSW, 37)
Damien Howson (AUS, SA, 23)