Jayco-AlUla Secures First-Ever Men’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race Title

Following nine editions, the Australian team improves upon their runner-up finish from the first race, with Swiss champion Mauro Schmid securing a determined solo win.

Jayco-AlUla might not have achieved the desired outcomes at the Tour Down Under, but due to an unstoppable solo performance by Swiss champion Mauro Schmid, they have successfully concluded the Australian summer on a positive note, securing the team’s first win at the men’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

The men’s squad seemed to be struggling when the Australian team left the races in South Australia without securing a podium finish, and they also missed a crucial player, Luke Plapp, who opted for wrist surgery instead of competing.

“It was certainly challenging for us, particularly with Plappy missing this race,” stated Schmid. “He had a crucial role in this race over the past two years, consistently very, very noticeable; I believe he would have significantly aided us.”

With one man down, it is tough in a race of this nature, yet I believe the entire team was extremely motivated for this event. I believe we all were in excellent condition, yet we didn’t receive the reward in TDU. Everyone participating in the Surf Coast classic performed very well, but we didn’t receive the recognition in the outcome.

On Sunday, however, Schmid altered that trend, successfully placing the team on the podium in the Australian international race and achieving a long-anticipated upgrade from the second position that Simon Clarke secured for the team at the first edition in 2015.

“I believe winning this race now is something special,” remarked Schmid.

His teammates warmly congratulated him, including Luke Durbridge, one of the riders who helped kickstart the New Year for the team with the men’s elite Australian Championships stripes in their possession. Durbridge secured the road title on local roads while Plapp took the time trial jersey, and now the team has capped off the season of domestic racing with podium appearances.

Chris Harper, who was caught with less than 10km remaining, also participated in the podium ceremony alongside Schmid after securing the most combative rider jersey.

“It was a great advantage having Chris up there, since we could relax and allow the other teams to pursue,” Schmid remarked.

It definitely wasn’t a simple day, as the temperatures nearing 40°C seemed to favor the team that was especially well adapted to the environment, with Schmid arriving ahead of time and most of the team being on familiar ground in Australia.

“It was undoubtedly an extremely difficult day, particularly because of the heat,” Schmid remarked. “I was aware that the training was pretty effective, so I’m fairly acclimatized to the heat but nonetheless, I needed to remain extremely calm during the initial three laps, aiming to conserve my legs for the one attack, which turned out successful in the end.”