AusCycling is partnering with VicHealth to help educate and empower young people to say no to vaping and other nicotine products.
The partnership sees AusCycling join a number of elite sporting organisations, including Athletics Victoria and Swimming Victoria, as well as local councils and universities to spread awareness on the harms of vaping through VicHealth’s UNCLOUD initiative.
UNCLOUD is a peer-to-peer platform that connects young people to see vaping for what it really is, built from research and youth-led messaging.
AusCycling Executive General Manager | Club and Community Enhancement Kipp Kaufmann said the partnership aligned with AusCycling’s values in promoting a healthy lifestyle on and off the bike.
“We are proud to amplify the UNCLOUD message among our young riders and cyclists as well the wider community at our events and across our channels,” Kaufmann said.
“We are keen to support this initiative to empower young people to make healthy choices and reduce the harms of vaping for young people across Victoria.”
VicHealth CEO Prof. Anna Peeters AM said the partnership presents a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about vaping harms and support young people by pointing the finger at the industry’s use of dirty tactics that aim to hook a new generation.
"We know vaping is incredibly harmful. Young people who vape are significantly more likely to use traditional cigarettes, with studies showing vaping increases the likelihood of future tobacco use. UNCLOUD uses effective, fact-based messaging to amplify the voices of young people who are fighting back. We thank AusCycling and the other state sporting associations that are supporting this work."
Through the partnership, UNCLOUD will have naming rights for the 2025 and 2026 Victorian BMX State Championships.
AusCycling will share and promote the UNCLOUD platform at various major national championships across Victoria.
UNCLOUD is supported through a strategic partnership with Quit Victoria, providing an evidence-based approach to tackle youth vaping.