Peter Bartels AO

Peter Bartels is a distinguished sports administrator whose contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of Australian cycling and sports governance.

Bartels achieved national prominence in the early 1960s, securing four Australian national titles in the 1000m time trial and sprint events. His most notable achievement came at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, where he clinched the gold medal in the 1000m time trial, marking a pinnacle in his competitive cycling career.

Transitioning into sports administration, Bartels served as the Chair of the Australian Sports Commission from 1997 to 2008. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in establishing and funding the Australian Institute of Sport's cycling program, which has been instrumental in developing elite cyclists. He was also a key advocate for the Backing Australia's Sporting Ability policy; a significant initiative aimed at enhancing Australia's sporting infrastructure and support systems.

“I had a lot to do with cycling administration following my retirement from competition in 1963. I served as a delegate to the UCI for many years, along with Ray Godkin. Together we played a major role in merging the amateur controlling body FIAC with the UCI as we know it today,” Bartels recalled.

“As Chair of the Australian Sports Commission, and the Australian Institute of Sport, I was active in establishing Adelaide as the high-performance base for cycling.”

In recognition of his outstanding service to Australian sport, Bartels was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2004. His legacy endures through his contributions both on the track and in the boardroom, leaving an indelible mark on Australian cycling and sports administration.

“I am pleased to join many other friends who have been inducted into the HOF. Cycling memories constantly remind me of the pleasure of my association,” Bartels said.

“I enjoyed cycling from 1955 until 1962. I retired following the death of my father to manage a family hotel business, after which I established a business management career.”