She just claimed her 13th consecutive elite national title, now mountain bike sensation Rebecca Henderson is set to take on the Cairns Rainforest Rumble as she gears up for the World Cup season.
The Canberra based rider is on a tear, winning all four of the Oceania Continental Series races this season, with the finale set at Smithfield MTB Park on April 16-19.
With a share in a $20,000 prize pool and UCI points on the line, it’s shaping as an important event.
Henderson’s first ever world podium was in Cairns in 2016, and the venue holds a very special place in her heart.
“A little fun fact, my first ever world podium was in Cairns in 2016, where I finished third behind athletes I aspired to be like, for me, it is still a really cool memory,” Henderson said.
“Cairns will always be special to me, I’m so happy to be able to go back there.
“The trails and the course set the benchmark so high as far as technical standards and hard climbing, it’s a place that has something so special that no other place has.”
Henderson will compete in the final of the Continental Oceania Series in Cairns, with an unblemished record of four races and four victories.
Rebecca Henderson wins the XCO title at Mt Buller.
“The year has gone surprisingly smoothly, I’ve had four races and four victories, we are really lucky to have this series in Australia, it helps us hugely when we take on the world cups and go overseas,” she said.
“The points that we earn are super important for the world rankings, which impacts your starting position at the World Cups, that helps hugely.
“Cairns for me is the last race I get to do before the world cup two weeks later in Korea. It is a great opportunity to have a race before the really big season that is starting, that aspect is so important. It will be a dress rehearsal for world events.”
Henderson’s record in the sport is unparalleled. She is unbeaten at a national level since she started competing in age races in 2004. It’s a pressure she has learnt to live with and has had to become comfortable with.
“I’m undefeated as Australian champion through all of the age groups and now in elite, I’ve never not won an XCO National race,” she said.
“My first year as an elite was 2014, prior to that, I won every age category at Nationals I was in, starting in 2004 I think, a long time ago.
“Years ago, I used to feel a lot of pressure to win nationals, I felt I had to prove that winning the nationals was almost my identity, I always had a target on my back.
“While I was doing well in the World Cup events, it always felt like I had to be the national champion. Now for me, I’ve taken the pressure off, I’m more secure in my performances and who I am, it no longer identifies who I am.
“Of course I want to win, and I don’t know what it feels like not to win, though I was in a sprint finish at last year’s nationals.
“Getting it done this year was a huge relief.”
The Australian champion is looking forward to competing in Cairns, a place that she says is more than just a world-class cycling destination.
“It’s a special place to visit, my sister and her family are coming up to have a holiday, while I’m racing,” she said.
“It’s not just the trails, it’s the place you get to visit, it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit.
“When I said I was going to Cairns, the family all jumped on and said they were coming. My brother is coming and he is going scuba diving, it’s a great place not only for cycling, but for a place to bring the whole family.”
Entries are still open for the Cairns Rainforest Rumble, bringing international-level mountain bike racing back to Far North Queensland and hosting the finale of the 2026 UCI Oceania Continental Series across Downhill and Cross-Country.
For full details including how to maximise your trip to Tropical North Queensland visit cairnsrainforestrumble.com.au