
Ally Wollaston Dominates the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race with Stunning Victory
Ally Wollaston has made a statement at the 2025 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, showcasing her exceptional form and versatility as she powered to victory in a thrilling 141.8-kilometre race. The New Zealand cyclist, representing FDJ-Suez, completed the course in 3 hours, 59 minutes, and 43 seconds, after a fierce battle that saw multiple crashes and strategic moves. This win marks a major milestone for Wollaston, earning her her first WorldTour one-day race victory.
The race unfolded with a select group of 14 riders staying in contention as they faced the daunting Challambra Climb not once, but twice. While sprinters are often at a disadvantage in races with such challenging terrain, Wollaston proved that she's not just a fast finisher. She kept pace with the leaders on the climb, including American star Chloé Dygert, and managed to outsprint her rivals in the final stretch to the finish line in Geelong.
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Wollaston’s tactical brilliance and resilience on the climb impressed her competitors. "When I saw her hanging on during the climbs, I realized she was in fantastic shape," said Karlijn Swinkels of UAE Team ADQ, who finished second. Wollaston’s ability to stay strong and composed in the final stages of the race demonstrated the confidence she’s built in her new team. Her triumph came just days after another victory at the Surf Coast Classic, further proving her impressive versatility as a road cyclist.
For Wollaston, this victory was especially sweet after a less-than-ideal showing at the Women's Tour Down Under, where her team, though not failing, fell short of their goals. However, the disappointment from Adelaide fueled her performance, and Wollaston embraced the opportunity to shine in Geelong. "The team really took it in stride. It made us all hungrier," she reflected on the early season struggles.
Wollaston’s triumph is also a testament to the strength of her team. FDJ-Suez’s collective strategy was evident, with multiple teammates making it into the decisive breakaway group. Wollaston acknowledged the effort of her squad, noting the strong communication that helped guide her to victory. “We were all really motivated today. We knew we had a good chance,” she said after the race.
While Wollaston celebrated her victory, several riders were forced to abandon the race after a series of crashes. Among them were Australian Alyssa Polites and Dutch rider Daniek Hengeveld, who were both prominent figures earlier in the season. Despite these setbacks, Wollaston’s consistent performance and smart decision-making carried her through to a memorable win.
As she stood on the podium in Geelong, Wollaston’s victory was not just a personal achievement but a signal to the cycling world that she’s a force to be reckoned with, not only as a sprinter but as a rider who can tackle the toughest challenges. With this impressive start to the season, she has firmly established herself as one of the brightest stars in women’s cycling.
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