From the Chair and CEO

As we approach the end of another year, it’s important to acknowledge the collective efforts of everyone in the system and say thank you for your contribution to the sport in 2025.  To the clubs, teams, members, coaches, commissaires, trainers and instructors; the committee members and countless volunteers that bring the sport to life; the event promoters, funding and delivery partners, and advocacy bodies; sponsors and suppliers; athletes in the pathway and ARA Australian Cycling Team; and the AusCycling board and staff.  Everyone has worked tirelessly for the benefits of the sport.

It's been five years since the formation of AusCycling – 19 entities into one unitary body, and I want to acknowledge the concerns being expressed by some individuals and club members across the country, using LinkedIn and other means as a platform to create disharmony and unravel the unifying steps forward the sport has made since 2021.

The pressures being described by some — declining participation, volunteer fatigue, rising costs and the challenge of keeping road racing viable — are real, and they have not emerged overnight. The suggestion that we are not listening, that we don’t understand clubland, is challenging to hear, particularly when the insights from members and clubs underpins our strategic and day to day focus.

You’ve told us that the memberships products didn’t work for clubs and increasing membership prices, driven by expanding insurance premiums, were a barrier for growth - We committed to a review of the membership landscape and will launch new products in 2026.

You’ve told us the technology experience was poor - As part of the membership product launch we will also roll out a new membership platform in 2026.  Next, is the better integration of event entry platforms.

You’ve told us the junior selection policy wasn’t supporting athlete development - We committed to an independent review of our policies and pathways earlier this year and are in the process of tackling the 10 recommendations.  The updated Junior Selection Policies and Rider Development Principles have been launched this week.

Many mountain bike clubs are being asked to indemnify local government authorities in return for access and free maintenance of trails.  This places stress on the sport’s public liability insurance program, so we’ve taken the first step to develop a Trail Maintenance Guide to demonstrate that we’re establishing standards and mitigating risks. 

Road clubs have expressed concern about the challenges being faced to deliver road racing – a dedicated Taskforce will be established in January (similar to the pathways project) to make recommendations for action by June 2026.  Work is already underway to address AustRoad requirements on a State-by-State basis – but this is only one of the challenges.  

AusCycling remains committed to building on the foundations delivered in Horizon 1, through the Horizon 2 Strategy. The H2 strategy is built on a simple premise: we must deliver and build a healthier more accessible and more sustainable sport at its foundation and deliver sustained success at the elite level. One cannot exist without the other.

We understand the frustration being felt at club level when costs rise and value feels harder to see. While AusCycling has invested in areas such as safety, integrity, systems and capability across the system, it is essential that these investments translate into tangible support for the people who run races, coach juniors and volunteer week in, week out.

Like many sports, we are operating in an environment of increasing costs — from insurance and compliance, to travel and delivery. Our responsibility is to ensure those costs are transparent, proportionate and directed toward outcomes that genuinely strengthen participation and experience. Reducing unnecessary burden on clubs and organisers remains a priority.

AusCycling will continue to listen to our members and clubs. Continue our efforts to enhance engagement and work closer than we ever have with our stakeholders across the country. Whilst some individuals will likely continue to vocalise their desire to go back to historically fragmented models; our focus will be on looking forward, unifying and partnering with our clubs and growing the membership base.

Leadership in sport is not about growth for growth’s sake. It is about stewardship, trust and accountability. AusCycling exists to serve its members, not the other way around. The board and staff’s focus is on ensuring we remain deeply connected to our clubs and stakeholders in our sport.

We do not pretend the work is finished. But are committed to working openly, collaboratively and with the long-term health of Australian cycling at the centre of every decision.  

Neither do we claim to have all the answers, but we are clear on our responsibility: to lead with purpose, to listen early, and to act decisively where change is required.

On behalf of the AusCycling team – we wish you a safe and happy festive season and as always, remain open to ways that we can enhance the partnership with clubs and experience for members in 2026.

Thanks for being part of the AusCycling community in 2025.
Enjoy the break, stay safe, and see you in 2026.

Marne Fechner
CEO, AusCycling