Organizers are working with authorities to ensure the safety of the Race to Zero in Torquay (January 30) and the World Tour men's and women's Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (February 1-2) as the bushfire crisis continues in Australia.

Organizers stressed that the wildfires are far from the race course, but said they will continue to monitor air quality in the Geelong and Torquay areas and provide updates to competitors and teams accordingly.

"The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the best possible competition conditions at the Race to Zero in Torquay and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race," organizers said in a press statement released on Thursday

"We are currently working closely with the authorities to ensure the best possible racing environment for the race.

"There are currently no threats to the Race Torquay and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race course or the surrounding area.

"We are working with local authorities to monitor the situation and will advise teams if conditions change. The safety of the team, spectators and staff is our first priority.

"We are also continuing to monitor air quality and will keep the team updated if air pollution levels exceed reasonable levels, noting that we are complying with Sport Australia guidelines on smoke pollution and exercise.

Australia has been battling bushfires for months due to hot and dry weather with temperatures averaging a record 41°C. Extreme heat waves and prolonged drought have resulted in very dry conditions.

Since September, wildfires have killed 26 people and destroyed hundreds of homes. More than 100,000 square kilometers have reportedly burned in five states, including New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria, with particularly devastating effects on the country's wildlife.

"As you are aware, the fires continue to affect forested areas in Victoria and across Australia, and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race extends its deepest sympathies to those affected," organizers said, adding that the wildfires were reported to be burning in Victoria

Amanda Spratt, who lives in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, told Cycling News in late December that she was prepared to evacuate if necessary. Because of the poor air quality, she had to either train indoors or drive to a remote location to avoid the thick smoke in the area and train outdoors.

"I am not able to train outside every day because some days the smoke is so bad," she said. They say that exercising in it is like smoking 100 cigarettes, so I had to either drive somewhere else to start training or train indoors."

In Victoria, especially around the city of Melbourne, organizers of other major sporting events, including the Australian Open Tennis, have contingency plans in place. Tennis' first Grand Slam tournament of the season opens on January 20, but organizers plan to move the event indoors if bushfire conditions worsen. [The organizers of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race added, "We will work with the Australian National Cycling Federation on air pollution and observe their practices to ensure best practice."

"In Australia, we are encouraging riders and staff to download the 'Vic Emergency' application to their cell phones. This will provide regular updates on emergencies to be aware of throughout Victoria.

The Victorian government has partnered with Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army to establish the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

The sixth edition of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will be part of the Men's World Tour for the fourth consecutive year. The women's event joins the Women's World Tour this year. Meanwhile, the Towards Zero Race Torquay will be held in Torquay for the first time, replacing a similar event held the previous year in central Melbourne."