The German, who rides for Team Sunweb, triumphed at last year’s edition of the race in front of Australia’s Simon Gerrans and Cameron Meyer.

Arndt is expected to lead his team again in Geelong, as the race enjoys its second year as part of the International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour.

BMC Racing’s Gerrans is again likely to pose a strong threat as he heads into the competition fresh from winning the Tour Down Under.

His team-mate and fellow Australian Richie Porte is also among the starters, along with Italy’s Elia Viviani and Colombia’s Esteban Chaves.

The 164 kilometres course is aimed at delivering an attacking style of race, claimed to be synonymous with the European spring classics.

While it begins and ends along Geelong Waterfront, the four ascents up the Challambra climb are expected to provide climbers with the opportunity to launch attacks.

The race is named after Australia’s 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, who helped designed the course around his home town with Scott Sunderland,  a former professional cyclist.

Evans rode in the first edition of the event four years ago, bringing his career to a close.

The 40-year-old is set this time to take part in the family ride, due to take place before the men’s elite event.

A 113km women’s elite race is also scheduled to take place, with Annemiek Van Vleuten among the starts.

The Dutchwoman triumphed last year, beating the United States’ Ruth Winder and Japan’s Mayuko Hagiwara to the line.

The women’s event currently does not feature on the top tier UCI Women’s WorldTour but organisers have expressed their hope is will reach the status in future editions.