Australia continues to be hit by an exceptional heat wave, with high wildfire risk, and this situation has led the organizers of the Surf Coast Classic to cancel the events: the women's race was supposed to take place tomorrow and the men's race on Thursday 29th.

A summit between the race organizers, Victoria Police, and emergency services led to the decision to cancel the events: the risk of wildfires, under unpredictable and unstable weather conditions, requires keeping evacuation routes clear and focusing the resources of both Victoria Police and emergency services on public safety.

"The safety of our cyclists, teams, staff, volunteers, and spectators remains our top priority," explained race director Scott Sunderland in a statement. "Given the wildfire situation throughout the region and the recommendations from Victoria Police and emergency services, the safest and most responsible decision is to cancel the races scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. We will continue to work closely with emergency services and local authorities to determine if it is safe and appropriate to organize an alternative event."

For now, the two stages of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road remain confirmed, scheduled for Saturday 31 (women's race) and Sunday 1 February (men's race).