The secret is out: we’re excited to reveal the race routes and provisional schedule for the 2026 AusCycling Junior & Masters Road National Championships on the Sunshine Coast.
This September, the historic Queensland town of Yandina is set to host Australia’s premier age-group road racing event.
The green-and-gold jerseys will be decided on three challenging, but well-balanced, courses worthy of a national championship.
The individual time trials will tackle a 15km out-and-back course north of Yandina, full of small undulations to test your pacing and concentration. Flat, straight sections near each turnaround will reward those who can put the power down. Under-15 riders will race a shorter, 9.4km test.
The criteriums will take place on a clockwise 2km circuit on the streets around the Yandina Sports Complex. Flat and fast, the one who masters this course will be a truly deserving champion.
Finally, the road races will be held on a 10km circuit north of town. Looking at the profile, you might be deceived into thinking the biggest challenge is ‘only’ a 200-metre pinch with a maximum gradient of 11%. However, the constant undulations promise open, tactical racing leading into the flat and fast run home to the finish.
Compared to previous editions, AusCycling has adjusted the provisional schedule to adapt to rider feedback. Distances in the road race have been increased for most masters categories – up from 61km to 90km in men’s 1, 2 and 3, for example. More categories will compete separately, while the criterium has been moved from Sunday to the Friday.
“We’re proud to deliver what promises to be fair, balanced and challenging routes for Australia’s highest level of age-group road racing,” said Carlijn Kerdijk, AusCycling’s Head of Events (Road & Esport).
The next generation of talent will be on show on the Sunshine Coast. (James Raison)
“We have designed three courses on the Sunshine Coast that are worthy to host our pinnacle event for masters and juniors.
“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to incorporate feedback from competitors, many of whom wanted to race over longer distances without the influence of other age groups. Also, by holding the criterium on Friday, we’ve been able to streamline the schedule for junior racers and their families.”
Kerdijk thanked the Sunshine Coast Council and the community for welcoming the event.
“The road race course will be held on a circuit that’s tried and tested by the local Sunshine Coast Cycling Club. We’re excited to bring a national championship to their beautiful backyard in the Sunshine Coast hinterland,” she said.
Entries are now open for the 2026 AusCycling Junior & Masters Road National Championships.
AusCycling recognises the Sunshine Coast as the official host region of the 2026 AusCycling Junior & Masters Road National Championships.
Feature photo: Con Chronis