2026 AusCycling BMX racing national calendar released, GWM BMX Racing National Championships returns to Shepparton at new time of year

Australia’s premier BMX racing event is set for a new chapter when the 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships arrive in Shepparton next April. 

Ahead of hosting the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Brisbane next July, AusCycling is seizing the opportunity to reshape its national BMX racing calendar and has chosen to partner with the Greater Shepparton City Council, Victorian Government and Shepparton BMX Club to host the focal point of that calendar from April 16–18. 

Shepparton has a renowned history of hosting national-level BMX racing events, with the Shepparton and Goulburn Valley region hosting the BMX Racing National Championships on four occasions in the past 15 years, the two most recent editions being in 2023 and 2019. 

In April, Greater Shepparton City Council opened new developments to the Shepparton BMX Track before the opening rounds of the 2025 AusCycling BMX Racing National Series. 

These upgrades, funded through the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, included a new multi-use two-storey pavilion and enhancements to the track and start hills that have helped to further position Shepparton as one of the premier BMX facilities in Australia. 

AusCycling Chief Executive Officer, Marne Fechner, is thrilled that the Championships will be back in Greater Shepparton. 

“Shepparton has an established reputation for being a great cycling destination, having successfully hosted the GWM BMX Racing National Championships on multiple occasions and two rounds of the 2025 AusCycling BMX Racing National Series,” Fechner said. 

"The Shepparton BMX Track is among Australia’s best and the club and local community do a fantastic job in making everyone feel welcome. With thousands expected to attend the event next year, it promises to be a thrilling showcase for competitors and fans alike.” 

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said hosting elite sporting events play a key role in showcasing the region and growing the local economy. 

“Hosting top sporting events such as AusCycling’s BMX Racing National Championships is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the region. We’re excited to welcome competitors, support crew, families and visitors for the weeklong event, and spotlight our world-class BMX track,” he said. 

“This kind of infrastructure investment allows us to attract premier events year-round, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses well beyond the traditional holiday period” he said. 

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said events like AusCycling’s 2026 BMX Racing National Championships help to cement Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s home of major sporting events. 

“We are extremely proud to have supported the Shepparton BMX Track upgrades to support events like these to take place on world class infrastructure. 

“Our support of the Championships through the Significant Sporting Events Program and the Regional Events Fund will help showcase Shepparton’s place on the BMX world stage, reinforce Victoria’s title as the major events capital and provide a fantastic boost for local jobs and businesses.” 

The 2026 AusCycling BMX Racing National Series will begin on February 22 at the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre, on the day following the 2026 Oceania BMX Racing Championships on February 21. 

Round 2 of the National Series lands in Shepparton on April 14 as the curtain-raiser to the 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships.  

Rounds 3 and 4 will be held in Macarthur, the host of the 2025 GWM BMX Racing National Championships, on May 23–24. 

The BMX racing world travels down under in July for the UCI BMX Racing World Championships, with the Challenge to be held after the elite, under-23 and junior racing on the opening weekend. 

AusCycling Head of Events – BMX, Dale Percy, said the 2026 season will be a landmark year for BMX racing. 

“The national calendar has been built to deliver top class competition, fuel momentum towards the UCI BMX Racing World Championships on home soil in July and create a lasting framework that drives the sport well beyond next year,” Percy said. 

Why AusCycling is reshaping its national calendar 

The 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships on home soil provides a unique opportunity for change and an ideal moment to build a BMX racing calendar that:  

• Supports long-term athlete development;  
• Strengthens the grassroots community;  
• Streamlines performance pathways toward international success.  

With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, this is not just about a single year – it's about laying a strong foundation for current and future generations of Australian BMX champions. 

The changes 

Starting in 2026, the BMX Racing National Series will begin earlier in the year. This strategic shift supports: 

• Optimal racing conditions across all states and territories;  
• More effective preparation and qualification for global events, including the UCI World Championships;  
• Clearer alignment with high-performance and talent identification frameworks.  

In parallel, the GWM BMX Racing National Championships will be repositioned to the first half of the year, offering: 

• A clearly defined performance peak within the national calendar;  
• Alignment with athlete categorisation and ARA Australian Cycling Team selection timelines;  
• A benchmark ahead of the international season. 

What happens after July 

With the global stage packed away after the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships, the spotlight returns to where BMX racing lives every day in our clubs and local communities.  

From July to December, the calendar prioritises:  

• Club racing and regional events;  
• Community-led initiatives and rider development;  
• Local series that build participation and engagement;  
• State/Territory Championships.  

This split-season format ensures that both elite competition and grassroots growth receive the time and space they deserve without compromise. 

What this means for our members 

The calendar reset brings clarity, consistency, and opportunity. With key dates locked in early:  

• Families can better plan their year, travel, and commitments;  
• Riders and coaches can structure training blocks around a more logical and performance-driven schedule;  
• Clubs can focus their resources and energy on community-focussed racing in the second half of the year.  

Ultimately, this is a shift toward balance, recognising that the strength of BMX racing in Australia comes from both elite podiums and the passionate grassroots at club level. 

State and territory event calendars are set to be released in the coming weeks. 

2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships Challenge and Masters qualification details and selection criteria can be found here. 

2026 AusCycling BMX racing national and major events calendar 

• 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships 
• • Shepparton – April 16–18 

• 2026 AusCycling BMX Racing National Series 
• • Round 1: Brisbane SX – February 22 
  • Round 2: Shepparton – April 14 
  • Round 3: Macarthur – May 23 
  • Round 4: Macarthur – May 24 

• 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships 
• • Brisbane – July 16–25 

• 2026 Oceania BMX Racing Championships 
• • Brisbane SX – February 21

Feature picture: Con Chronis