AusCycling can confirm that the 2026 Junior & Masters Road National Championships will proceed on the Sunshine Coast from 17-20 September, with a revised Championships road race course confirmed around the Corbould Park precinct.
Following significant community concern regarding the originally planned course in Yandina, the required approval for that course could not be secured. We could not simply proceed with a course where there are concerns about compliance with traffic management arrangements and serious threats to athletes, staff and volunteers. However, AusCycling has worked extensively with Sunshine Coast Council, Queensland Police, Department of Transport & Main Roads and other stakeholders to explore alternative options and is pleased to have identified a suitable course around the Corbould Park precinct that meets requirements for a National Championship.
As a result of this, we will be presenting this important event across three locations. The event program is:
- Time Trial: Thursday 17 September, Yandina, 9am–2pm.
- Criterium: Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September, Girraween.
- Road Race: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, Corbould Park precinct.
AusCycling EGM Major Events, Steve Peterson said the process had been a difficult one, but the organisation’s focus throughout had been on finding a way forward for its riding community.
“We know this has been a real struggle, and we know the uncertainty has been frustrating for our riders, their families and everyone involved in these Championships. It hasn’t been an easy process, but our priority has always been our community of riders and finding a way to give them the opportunity to compete at Nationals.
“We’re really pleased to have been able to find a solution that allows the Championships to go ahead. We know it’s not the outcome we originally set out to deliver, but it’s an outcome that means our junior and masters riders can get on the start line and compete for a national title on the Sunshine Coast.”
AusCycling Director of Pathways, Donna Rae-Szalinski said the Corbould Park course will provide a technical and challenging test for riders across the Championships.
“We acknowledge that Corbould Park doesn’t provide the hills and elevation you would find on some traditional road racing courses, but it offers a different set of challenges that are equally important to a rider’s development.
“It’s a technical course that will force riders to think about their position throughout the race and make good decisions under pressure. Acceleration out of the corners will be important, and as the race progresses, fatigue will build both physically and mentally.
“That’s really valuable for our junior riders. Many of our most promising young riders go on to race in Europe, where they are immediately faced with intense racing in countries such as Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Courses like this help prepare riders for that environment and give us an opportunity to identify those athletes who show real promise in navigating the challenges and demands of technical racing. We’re looking forward to seeing how the riders respond to the course and watching some great racing at Corbould Park.”
Whilst disappointed in the late change on course approvals and the nature of community criticisms, AusCycling is pleased to be able to deliver this important event for our community, whilst also ensuring their safety and minimising impacts on the local community. Together with Sunshine Coast Council, we have requested the full cooperation and compliance of all residents in these locations to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for our junior and masters riders, staff and volunteers.
Further information, including detailed FAQs as well as detailed course and traffic management information, is available on the event page 2026 AusCycling Junior & Masters Road National Championships event page.
Photo: Con Chronis