Junior talent ready to be unearthed in BikeChain J19 National Road Series

Australia’s next generation of cyclists is preparing for action as the BikeChain J19 National Road Series returns for 2025.

Hot on the heels of the ProVelo Super League, the series gives junior (under-19) cyclists a national competition of their own, bridging the gap to elite and under-23 level.

“The BikeChain J19 National Road Series fills an important gap in a young rider’s development,” said Carlee Taylor, AusCycling’s Event Operations Manager (Road and Esports).

“It allows them to experience domestic racing at an age-appropriate level before they step up to senior competition.”

Under-19 cyclists in action. (Zac Williams / AusCycling)

While some under-19 riders such as Ollie Jirovec and Hannah Gianatti excelled in the PSL, Taylor said a standalone series helped create depth and breadth among Australia’s junior ranks.

“An exclusive national series for under-19s gives more opportunities for these riders to develop race craft, skills and tactics that are hard to teach when they’re racing against elites.

“It gives more riders the chance to experience racing for the win, animating a race or executing a race strategy, rather than just trying to survive against physically bigger and stronger opponents.

“It’s also a platform for new talent to emerge and to put their names in the spotlight for the first time.”

Last year’s series winners were Julian Baudry – who is now the under-23 road race national champion – and Emma Ochoa, who became a finalist of Zwift Academy.

The 2024 overall winners. (Tour of Gippsland / Australia Cycling Photography)

The 2025 BikeChain J19 National Road Series will be held in May and June over three rounds in South Australia, Queensland and the ACT.

BikeChain, which is Australia’s premium online retailer for cycling apparel, parts, accessories and nutrition, is providing prizes valued at over $9,000 across the Series.

The first event will be the Junior Tour of the Riverland in South Australia, which runs concurrently with elite and masters racing on May 3–4. Entries are open now.

2025 BikeChain J19 National Road Series – Events

• 3–4 May | Junior Tour of the Riverland (SA)
• 24–25 May | Canberra Junior Tour (ACT)
• 28–29 June | Balmoral Junior and Women’s Tour (QLD)

Feature photo: Zac Williams / AusCycling