The Oceania Cycling Confederation has announced that in 2026, the region will host its inaugural gravel championships, joining Europe and Africa in recognizing this rapidly growing discipline. The first titles will be contested at the RADL GRVL event on January 23, 2026, marking a significant milestone for gravel cycling in Oceania.
This new championship will allow athletes from Australia and New Zealand to compete for a continental title, with the winners from both elite and age group categories earning automatic qualification for the UCI Gravel World Championships. These championships are set to take place in Nannup, Australia, on October 10-11, 2026. According to Tony Mitchell, President of the Oceania Cycling Confederation and member of the UCI Management Committee, this event is a vital opportunity for local riders. He stated, “The Oceania Gravel Championships provide an important opportunity for riders from our region to qualify.”
Australia has been at the forefront of gravel racing, having embraced the UCI format since its inception. The Nannup SEVEN event was among the first World Series races in 2022, and in 2026, the country will host three series rounds, further solidifying its commitment to this sport. Additionally, Australia introduced its national gravel championships in 2018, paving the way for the Oceania Cycling Confederation to expand into this exciting new area.
Choosing RADL GRVL presented by Quad Lock for these championships offers a strategic advantage. This event is scheduled early in the season, coinciding with the southern hemisphere summer, which ensures that many top gravel riders will be available to compete. Notable athletes such as Brendan Johnston, Courtney Sherwell, Samara Maxwell, and Cameron Jones typically participate in prominent gravel races like Unbound and the Life Time Grand Prix series later in the year. The road racing season also draws competitors like Tiffany Cromwell to Europe.
The 115 km gravel race around McLaren Vale will be part of the events surrounding the season opener at the Tour Down Under, which has already garnered attention from the national and international cycling communities. With a title now on the line, the excitement surrounding this championship is expected to attract even more fans and riders to the event.
As Cromwell, the 2025 winner of RADL GRVL and an Australian gravel champion, noted, “Adding gravel to the Championships creates new pathways for emerging talent and elite athletes alike to qualify for the world stage.” She emphasized the significance of this championship, stating, “We’re honoured to welcome riders to RADL GRVL for what will be a defining moment of the Australian gravel season.”
The introduction of the Oceania Gravel Championships represents a promising development for the sport in the region. As gravel cycling continues to gain momentum, this inaugural event will not only highlight local talent but also position Oceania as a significant player in the global gravel racing scene. With its diverse landscapes and supportive cycling community, Australia is poised to become a key destination for gravel enthusiasts in the years to come.
