AusCycling has today launched the AusCycling Alumni Club, a national initiative designed to recognise, connect, and support former Australian Cycling Team representatives across all disciplines and generations.
The Alumni Club will honour the athletes who have worn the green and gold on the world stage while building a structured and enduring network that extends far beyond the competitive years.
“Every person who has represented Australia carries stories, pride, memories, and lessons that live long after retirement,” said AusCycling’s Athlete Liaison Gracie Elvin.
Elvin represented Australia at the Rio Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games, and eight world championships in road cycling and cross-country mountain biking.
The Canberran says she's excited to be leading the launch of the Alumni Club based on her experiences after retiring from racing in 2020.
“The Alumni Club exists because that identity does not disappear when you stop racing. It evolves − and it has enormous power to strengthen our community and support the next generation," Elvin said.
Olympic cyclist Gracie Elvin is leading the launch of AusCycling's Alumni Club (Graham Watson).
A formal network for a long-standing community
While cycling has always benefited from strong informal connections, the launch of the Alumni Club marks the first time a formal structure has been established to bring together all of Australian cycling's alumni.
Eligible members include former Australian representatives who have competed in one or more of the following:
- Olympic or Paralympic Games
- Commonwealth Games
- Elite world championships in Olympic or Paralympic disciplines
- For non-Olympic disciplines, a finalist or a top-20 result at an elite world championships
This eligibility criteria will recognise genuine international achievement while capturing the breadth of Australian cycling talent across track, road, BMX, mountain bike, para-cycling, and emerging disciplines.
The Alumni Club will include Australian representatives from a breadth of disciplines. (Alex Whitehead / SWpix.com)
Building strong foundations
The first 12 months of the Alumni Club will focus on building robust foundations to ensure the program is sustainable and meaningful.
Engagement activities in the first year will include newsletters, alumni features, updates on current athletes, and relaxed in-person connection opportunities at cycling events nationwide. AusCycling will also begin capturing Expressions of Interest for future mentorship pathways.
There will also be an opportunity for alumni to join a working group to help shape the future of the club, including identifying support gaps, and working on legacy initiatives.
A complement to wellbeing initiatives
The Alumni Club will complement AusCycling's and the AIS's transitional and wellbeing programs by strengthening peer connection and embedding lived experience into the high-performance culture.
“Belonging, mentorship, and shared knowledge are powerful cultural drivers in high-performance environments. Alumni communities play a vital role in strengthening performance systems, and in ensuring athletes feel supported long after their final race,” said Elvin.
“While there has been major progress in transitional support within Australian sporting systems, in my experience there are still gaps where enhanced alumni connections can really make the difference to individual wellbeing and the health of an organisation.”
'Honouring the past, enriching the present, and uplifting the future.' (Thomas Maheux / SWpix.com)
Looking ahead
The Alumni Club is built on a “start small, build strong” philosophy, prioritising trust, authenticity, and meaningful outcomes over rapid expansion.
“This is about people," Elvin said. "It is about honouring the past, enriching the present, and uplifting the future of Australian cycling. We want alumni to reconnect with those who understand their journey, stay involved in the sport, and contribute to a culture that is stronger, kinder, and more connected.”
AusCycling invites all eligible alumni to reconnect, register their interest, and help shape the future of the Alumni Club: register your interest.
You can contact Gracie Elvin, the Alumni Club lead at: [email protected].
Feature photo: Casey Gibson