Heat, bushfire risks force cycle races to be cancelled

Extreme heat has forced the cancellation of cycling's Surf Coast Classic races in Victoria.

While the prestigious Cadel Evans Great Ocean road races this weekend are planned to continue, organisers scrapped the men's and women's surf coast events scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

Cycling hierarchy cited forecast extreme heat and bushfire risks as reasons, and the need to keep evacuation routes clear for any emergency services.

"Given the bushfire situation across the region and the advice from Victoria Police and emergency services, the safest and most responsible decision in the conditions is to cancel the races scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday," race director Scott Sunderland said in a statement on Tuesday.

"While it's unfortunate to cancel these two fantastic events, I'd like to acknowledge the CFA, Victoria Police, local authorities and our event partners for their strong collaboration and timely guidance throughout this process.

"We'll continue to work closely with emergency services and local authorities on whether it is safe and appropriate to hold an alternative event."

The Cadel Evans races, winding through Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast, are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.