Hundreds of Australia’s top cyclists will flock to the Sunshine Coast when a pinnacle national event arrives this spring.
AusCycling has today announced that the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, will host the 2026 AusCycling Junior & Masters Road National Championships from September 17−20.
The Championships see riders compete for the coveted green-and-gold national champion jersey − the highest honour in Australian cycling − across individual time trials, criteriums and road races.
It’ll be the first time the event has been held on the Sunshine Coast, reinforcing the region’s growing reputation as a premier destination for major cycling events. The Sunshine Coast has previously hosted national-level bike races and is preparing to welcome the world for the 2028 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships.
Carlijn Kerdijk, AusCycling’s Head of Events (Road and Esport), said the event was a strong fit for the region: “We are hugely excited to bring the AusCycling Junior & Masters Road National Championships to the Sunshine Coast,” Kerdijk said.
“This event attracts not only top junior riders and some of the country’s best masters cyclists, but also parents, partners, families and support crews who travel with them and stay in the region for several days.”
“The Sunshine Coast’s climate, road network and lifestyle make it an outstanding host for an event of this scale.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said all those attending the 2026 AusCycling Junior & Masters Road National Championships would be given a warm welcome.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region, inspire the next generation of riders and celebrate the incredible cycling culture we’re known for,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Events like this not only boost our economy but also encourage our community, especially our young people, to embrace active, healthy lifestyles.
“This spectacle will also build momentum toward major milestones like the 2028 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships and, of course, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We’re proud to partner with AusCycling to deliver outstanding events and build a cycling legacy our community can be proud of.”
The Championships typically attract hundreds of competitors from across Australia, with a large proportion travelling from interstate. The event is expected to generate thousands of visitor nights and deliver an economic impact approaching $2 million, providing a meaningful boost to local accommodation providers, hospitality venues and tourism operators.
The event features under-15 and under-17 teams from state and territories around the country, showcasing Australia’s next generation of talent. Past winners include Giro d’Italia champion Jai Hindley and Tour de France sprinter Caleb Ewan.
The Queensland team will be particularly bullish about their chances on home soil after winning seven out of 12 available titles last year.
The National Championships also attract the country’s best amateur cyclists in the masters categories, ranging from 30 years old to veterans well into their 70s, making it one of the most inclusive and community-focused events on the national cycling calendar.
Riders are being encouraged to save the dates, with the race courses to be announced and entries to open in the coming months.
AusCycling recognises the Sunshine Coast as the official host region of the 2026 AusCycling Junior & Masters Road National Championships.
Photos: Con Chronis