The one-day event in Geelong has been added to the Women’s WorldTour calendar for the first time, following five successful editions to date.

Cuba’s Arlenis Sierra will take to the start of the 121-kilometre race with the aim of defending her title.

Sierra triumphed last year after a perfectly-timed attack in the closing 4km saw her move clear of a small breakaway group.

She defied the challenge of Mitchelton-Scott riders Lucy Kennedy and Amanda Spratt, who were forced to settle for second and third place..

The Australian duo will be among the contenders to win tomorrow’s event, with Spratt targeting a second success having won the race back in 2016.

The race will begin in Geelong, with the course taking the peloton through the Surf Coast and onto the Great Ocean Road.

The pace will be expected to rise when the riders begin the journey back towards the finish line in Geelong.

A short ascent of Challambra Crescent near the finish could prove key, with the climb potentially offering an opportunity for a breakaway group to move clear.

The women’s race will be followed by the 171km men’s competition on Sunday, which will be the second event on the WorldTour circuit.

Italy’s Elia Viviani won last year’s race in a sprint finish, with home favourite Caleb Ewan forced to settle for second place.

Both sprinters are among the field for the event, but will need to remain near the front after the four climbs of Challambra Crescent if they are to be in contention for victory.