Australian cycling has been at a crossroads for a long time. Once heralded as a powerhouse of international cycling, there is now a reality in this country where talent development has stagnated, and our pathways to elite success are riddled with cracks. But more and more people, groups, and businesses are stepping up to change that. 

In case you haven’t been following.

The challenges confronting Australian cycling aren’t new. Seemingly, at this time, every year, I write about it. The collapse of the National Road Series (NRS) symbolised a broader failure to nurture grassroots talent. Once a crucial stepping stone for aspiring riders, the NRS dwindled in significance, beset by financial and organisational instability. Event cancellations, lack of consistent support, and dwindling participation led to its decline, leaving young cyclists with fewer opportunities to progress.

While the pandemic and economic pressures compounded the issues facing Australian cycling, the national governing body, AusCycling, has struggled to address these systemic problems. Financial constraints and mismanagement have threatened key facilities, like the iconic Dunc Gray Velodrome. Moreover, although incredibly controversial, the defection of elite riders like Matthew Richardson to the Great Britain High-Performance program highlights the gaps in support for Australia’s top talent.

Thank God for Gerry!

It’s no exaggeration to say that Gerry Ryan, owner of the WorldTour team Jayco AlUla, has been the backbone of Australian cycling. His investments in teams, facilities, and programs have kept the sport afloat, often single-handedly filling gaps left by others. Without Ryan’s unwavering commitment, Australian cycling would likely be in an even deeper crisis. But this reliance on one individual is both unsustainable and indicative of a broader problem: the lack of diversified investment and a cohesive strategy for developing young talent.

While Ryan’s contributions are invaluable, the tide is beginning to turn. More individuals, organisations, and businesses are stepping up to share the load and invest in the future of Australian cycling.

"The reliance on one individual is both unsustainable and indicative of the deeper need for collective investment in the sport's future.”

— John Polson

A Bold New Path

Enter the Australian Cycling Academy (ACA). In 2025, the ACA has doubled down on its commitment to grassroots development, transitioning to focus exclusively on Junior U19 riders. This bold move acknowledges the unique challenges young Australian cyclists face and provides them with a clear pathway to professional success without sacrificing their education.

Key to the ACA’s new focus on juniors is its partnership with Jayco AlUla, which provides access to world-class European racing opportunities. This is more than just a racing program; it’s a lifeline for young talent, offering structured development, international exposure, and mentorship. It’s the kind of long-term investment the sport desperately needs.

Complementing these efforts is the introduction of the ProVelo Super League (PSL) in 2025, a privately funded initiative to reinvigorate domestic cycling. Founded by the same guy behind ACA, Matt Wilson, and supported by the same guy who supports everything, Gerry Ryan, the PSL fills the void left by the decline of the NRS. With a revamped structure featuring three-day tours and iconic one-day races, the league is designed to provide consistent, high-quality competition for Australia’s elite and emerging riders.

Critically, the PSL is perfect for the ACA’s Junior program, offering young riders a domestic platform to hone their skills before transitioning to international competition. It also serves as a bridge for U23 athletes, ensuring they remain engaged in the sport while pursuing higher-level opportunities. The PSL’s focus on sustainability and inclusivity marks a significant step forward for Australian cycling, which is craving a long-term plan.

"Australian cycling doesn’t need a single saviour.
It needs collective effort."

Money where it matters.

Aside from the Matt Wilsons’ and Gerry Ryan’s of Australia, brands and organisations are rallying to provide much-needed support for Australian cycling. Recently, a direct-competitor of ours, MAAP, made an enormous investment in the sponsorship of WorldTour team Jayco AlUla. Whilst I won’t lie to say that this was, and still is, a massive goal for our brand, this moment shows the depth of the Australian cycling industry, and it’s culture. For Black Sheep, our own commitment to the cause keeps on increasing. Through our Do Good Program, we contribute 1% of every sale to initiatives like the ACA’s Junior program. 

While our support is modest compared to others, it reflects a broader movement of shared responsibility. Programs like the ProVelo Super League, ACA’s Junior program, businesses like Jayco, ARA, Maap and Black Sheep, and numerous local and club initiatives, demonstrate how we can all create the change we are all looking for. Australian cycling doesn’t need a single saviour - it needs collective effort.

2025 ACA Junior Team Roster

Men:

• Alexander Hewez
• Ben Coates
• Connor Wright
• Eddie Mungvoen
• Jonas Shelverton
• Ollie Jirovec
• Samuel Washington
• Toby Jones
• Vinnie Manion

Women:

• Amelie Sanders
• Anna Dubier
• Chloe Bowen
• Elsie Apps
• Hannah Gianatti
• Leani Van Der Berg
• Megan Moore
• Neve Parslow

2025 Racing Schedule

Domestic Competitions:

• Australian National Road Championships
• ProVelo Super League
• Australian domestic races (TBC)

European Block (75 Days):

• UCI Junior Nations’ Cup races
• Junior Paris-Roubaix
• Other European UCI races (specific calendar TBC)