Project Ascent B2032+, AusCycling’s taskforce charged with redefining a more future-focused 2032+ performance pathway, has continued its national consultation into 2026.
Hearing directly from junior coaches, club presidents, riders and parents has been invaluable, particularly those deeply invested in identifying and developing Australia’s next generation of world-class talent.
The team has now completed its final in-person consultation in Queensland, concluding a series of robust, constructive conversations that are directly shaping a clearer, simpler and more effective AusCycling performance pathway for the future.
This has never been more important than in the run up to a Brisbane 2032+ home Games and creating a sustainable pipeline of talent.
Key themes – what we are hearing
Stronger investment in pathway development coaches
Clear feedback highlighted the need to deepen practical support, on-the-job learning and mentoring for coaches working with talented juniors. This goes beyond standard accreditation and recognises the critical influence these coaches have in shaping the formative years, i.e., skills, high-performance habits, race craft and "winning well".
Simplifying the Performance Pathway
A strong call for greater clarity, reduced complexity, with improved explanation and visualisation of the AusCycling Performance Pathway to make it easier to understand and navigate for riders, parents and coaches.
Better alignment of the AusCycling domestic events calendar
Ensuring racing and competition opportunities are more aligned to performance pathway objectives, supporting rider development, ie, timing, frequency, format, location.
Improved feedback for Junior World Championships non-selected riders
Particularly for riders, parents and coaches pursuing Junior World Championships selection. This has already informed a "squad-to-team" pilot in track sprint for 2026. The pilot is led by National Junior Track Sprint coach James Glasspool, with longer squads identified earlier, development camps delivered, and targeted feedback provided to better prepare riders for final selection.
A rapidly evolving endurance landscape
Early recruitment by professional cycling teams, which is seeing Australian endurance talent moving offshore (sometimes as young as age 17) to join development teams beneath professional structures, is reshaping the performance pathway. An endurance summit was held during the Tour Down Under with Australian coaches working in professional teams, alongside current and former elite riders including Jay Vine, to tap into their expertise to help define how Australia’s endurance performance pathway must respond.
Greater support for non-Olympic MTB disciplines
Clear concerns were raised by the Downhill and Enduro communities regarding limited access to expert development coaching and pathway support. In response, a dedicated coaching appointment is planned in the coming month to better support these disciplines.
Performance Pathway alignment − what really matters
Feedback highlighted confusion across the system about priorities and alignment in rider development principles between Clubs, State Institutes, Academies and AusCycling Centres of Excellence. In response, AusCycling’s Rider Development Principles begins to articulate what matters most across the U15, U17 and U19 stages. This provides a shared reference point for the entire performance pathway.
AusCycling National Performance Pathway Strategy - Online Consultation
Now we want to hear from you! We are holding a final, National Online Consultation.
Everyone in the junior development cycling community (junior coaches, riders, parents, club presidents) are welcome to attend and contribute your thoughts and feedback on our future Performance Pathways and programs.
To attend, please register at the link below, and we look forward to hearing from you online.
Date: Wednesday, 4th February 2026
Time: 5:30–7:30pm (AWST) / 7:30–9:30pm (AEST) / 8:30–10:30pm (AEDT)
RSVP : Click here to register
New rider selection portal
Finally, do not forget to check out the new and improved Rider Selection portal including expressions of interest (EOIs) for riders looking towards World Junior Championships selection, and newly launched Rider Development Principles.
These are now easily located on the main menu of our AusCycling homepage.