In 2022, Australian cycling is reaching new heights

2022 is turning into a colossal year for Australian cycling.

After two frustrating years of border closures and cancellations, it feels like a nation of bike riders has unleashed its pent-up energy on the world. As if we’re out to prove a point – ‘we’re still here, did you forget about us?’

As you’d expect, our elite riders are leading the way. Across every discipline, Aussies are punching out unprecedented results at the top.

Bec McConnell is just one of many Aussies slaying in 2022. (Photo: Red Bull Content Pool)

Here’s just a taste of their success:

• Rebecca McConnell converting her first UCI MTB World Cup victory into four wins;
• Jai Hindley becoming our first winner of the Giro d’Italia;
• The Australian Cycling Team launching a gold rush at the UCI Track Nations Cup;
• Logan Martin, Olympic and World Champion, winning X Games gold;
• Jay Vine leading an Aussie one-two-four in the UCI Esports World Championships;
• Gordon Allan smashing world records;
• National champions Kennedy and Sakakibara on a BMX Racing World Cup podium;
• Remy Meier-Smith landing two podium finishes at downhill UCI MTB World Cups.

Jai Hindley showed the world what Aussies can do. (Photo: Giro d’Italia / Getty)

With borders open, green-and-gold riders are streaming across the globe to strut their stuff, including AusCycling’s junior development camps in mountain bike and road cycling.

Here at home, Australian cycling is well and truly open for business.

We hosted the first combined Oceania Cycling Championships alongside the Brisbane Cycling Festival: an enormous undertaking that spanned over three weeks. Our national series, national championships and state and territory events are all up and running, including new opportunities for juniors.

After two tough years, we’re back in action here at home. (Photo: Get Snapt)

It’s not all about competition, not by any means. Last year, cycling levels around Australia rose by up to 69% from pre-COVID levels. In 2020–21, a record 1.75 million bikes were sold in Australia.*

Ride Nation is bringing more bikes into schools so that Aussie kids can learn to ride. Last month, Ride Nation launched the first Bike Immersion Day for primary school students.

New bike facilities are popping up across the country, including a multisport cycling complex in Wagga Wagga and the National BMX Freestyle Park on the Gold Coast.

Ride Nation is getting more kids on bikes in 2022.

And there’s so much left to come this year. The most anticipated highlight will happen this September, when we’ll welcome the world to our shores at the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong.

Before that, our athletes will be in action at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, domestic events will continue to roll along, and Australian cycling will no doubt continue from strength to strength.

“We have so much to celebrate in Australian cycling right now,” said AusCycling CEO, Marne Fechner, in recognition of World Bicycle Day today.

“The recent achievements of our athletes overseas proves that our clubs and pathways can nurture riders from their first pedal-strokes to the international podium.”

The most anticipated Australian cycling event of 2022 is yet to come. (Photo: Dee Kramer)

How you can get involved in cycling in 2022

Volunteer at Wollongong 2022: put yourself in the thick of the action at the year’s biggest cycling event. An unforgettable experience and a unique opportunity to work behind the scenes.

Join a club: be one of the millions of Australians who are getting on bikes. Meet new people, discover new routes and improve your skills and fitness.

*Source: We Ride Australia