A five-man move established at the start of the International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour event, with its 164 kilometres course having been billed as likely to deliver an attacking style of racing, similar to European one-day races.

The breakaway, which included Denmark’s Lasse Norman Hansen and Russia’s Pavel Kochetkov, established as lead of nearly five minutes as they approached the first of the loops around Geelong.

Riders were set the task of four ascents of the Challambra during the race, which ultimately took its toll on the leaders, with their group dropping to two by the penultimate lap.

The final lap saw Hansen and Kochetkov’s resistance come to an end as the duo were caught and passed by a nine-rider group.

It contained several of the favourites, including Australia’s Simon Gerrans, Colombia’s Esteban Chaves and Daryl Impey of South Africa.

McCarthy, who rides for BORA – hansgrohe, ultimately had too much for his rivals in the sprint to claim victory in a time of 4 hours 04.00min.

"I’ve been poking my head out of the hotel window all week looking at the finish line thinking about this," said McCarthy.

McCarthy added: "It worked perfectly for us.

"I’ve been there about all summer and to finish my last race in Australia before heading back to Europe with this win, I’m speechless."

Italy’s Elia Viviani finished as the runner-up, with the Quick-Step Floors rider ending on the same time as the winner.

Impey completed the podium positions, having also been given McCarthy’s finishing time.

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.

A 113km women’s elite race also took place, with Australia’s Chloe Hosking triumphing in a sprint finish in a race not currently part of the UCI Women's World Tour. 

She ended in a time of 3:15:54, earning Hosking a nomination for this year's Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast. 

Hosking was followed across the line by fellow Australian Gracie Elvin and Giorgia Bronzini of Italy.