![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SCN290126-pat-eddy-cycling-pic-aap.jpg\")
Pat Eddy wins the national championship in Perth in January. Picture: AusCycling\/AAP.<\/p>\nA national sports body is in talks with the local council to host a major Australian championships in the lead-up to the 2032 Games, but they are faced with some obstacles.<\/p>\n
AusCycling and the local council are discussing the possibility of the region staging the National Road Championships, which would attract huge crowds, provide widespread exposure and provide a significant boost to the local economy.<\/p>\n
It would also serve as a key test run before the region is likely to host the road cycling events at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, likely from Alexandra Headland.<\/p>\n
The Sunshine Coast will have the Junior and Masters Road National Championships in September this year, and the UCI Para\u2011Cycling Road World Championships in 2028.<\/p>\n
AusCycling Executive general manager Steve Peterson lauded the region\u2019s affinity with cycling and confirmed talks were happening regarding the National Road Championships.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Sunshine Coast is a highly-regarded cycling destination,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAusCycling will continue discussions with a number of potential host states and cities including Queensland and the Sunshine Coast.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know the Road Nationals are an attractive asset for host cities, delivering strong visitation outcomes, sizeable economic impact, significant broadcast reach and strong community engagement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe run up to 2032 is an important consideration for us and should be for government partners too.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know most have it top of mind and Sunshine Coast Council certainly do. Conversations will continue, I have no doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pat Eddy wins the national championship in Perth in January. Picture: AusCycling\/AAP.<\/p>\n
Mayor Rosanna Natoli also said discussions were underway to host the National Road Championships.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Sunshine Coast is proud to be recognised as a highly-regarded cycling destination, and council continues to work with AusCycling as we build momentum towards the Olympic and Paralympic Games,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil is in ongoing discussions with AusCycling about future opportunities, including events that support athlete pathways, community participation and the region\u2019s readiness (for 2032).\u201d<\/p>\n
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook<\/a>, LinkedIn <\/a>and Instagram<\/a>, and sign up<\/a> for our FREE daily news email.<\/p>\n But Mr Peterson highlighted possible constraints, which were also acknowledged by Mayor Natoli.<\/p>\n \u201cThe National Road Championships are traditionally held in January, a critical period in the international racing calendar here in Australia,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cHosting the event at that time of year requires careful consideration of climate, athlete safety, operational risk and broadcast requirements, which all influence where the championships can be delivered successfully.\u201d<\/p>\n Having the event on the Sunshine Coast in summer could present heat and storm risks, while hosting it in the region during another time of year could prove difficult because of the packed schedule of professional riders.<\/p>\n Buninyong, near Ballarat, hosted the championships for two decades before it moved to Perth last year, where it has been a huge success. The event will be held there again next year.<\/p>\n AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner told AAP that there was plenty of interest from different regions to host what she calls a jewel in the crown for the sport.<\/p>\n AAP also stated that the Sunshine Coast was a \u201cnear-certainty\u201d to hold the national championships \u201cat some point before the 2032 Olympics\u201d.<\/p>\n The Sunshine Coast will host the Junior & Masters Road National Championships from September 17-20, it was announced in early February.<\/p>\n AusCycling\u2019s head of events (road and esport) Carlijn Kerdijk said the region was well suited for it.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Sunshine Coast\u2019s climate, road network and lifestyle make it an outstanding host for an event of this scale.\u201d<\/p>\n Mayor Natoli looked forward to the event, which could inject about $2 million into the local economy.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region, inspire the next generation of riders and celebrate the incredible cycling culture we\u2019re known for,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cEvents like this not only boost our economy but also encourage our community, especially our young people, to embrace active, healthy lifestyles.<\/p>\n The Sunshine Coast is also preparing to host the 2028 UCI Para\u2011Cycling Road World Championships, delivered by AusCycling with Sunshine Coast Council and Tourism and Events Queensland.<\/p>\n The mayor said it \u201cwill be an important opportunity to demonstrate the region\u2019s capacity to deliver events of international scale\u201d.<\/p>\n A Tourism and Events Queensland spokesperson said the state government was yet to hold official talks with AusCycling about the national championships but the Sunshine Coast \u201chas a strong track record of delivering world class sporting experiences\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWe remain open to opportunities that align with our long-term events strategy, and which benefit the region.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the mayor said efforts were being made to ensure the region is cycling friendly.<\/p>\n \u201cBeyond individual events, the Sunshine Coast continues to strengthen its position as a\u00a0cycling\u00a0region through investment in\u00a0cycling\u00a0infrastructure and active transport, including an expanding network of shared pathways and high\u2011quality road and training environments that support both elite athletes and everyday riders,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The Sunshine Coast is expected to host several other Olympic events, including football at Kawana, basketball, potentially at Maroochydore, and mountain biking at Parklands. The cycling road events and marathon races are earmarked for Alexandra Headland, as are some water sports.<\/p>\n The annual Sunshine Coast Marathon festival is growing in stature each year, in the lead-up to 2032. It has hosted the national half-marathon championships, and the marathon boasts an Association of International Marathons and Road Races certified course.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SCN190126-marina-walk-02-scaled.jpg\")
Alexandra Headland could host multiple Olympic events in 2032, including cycling road races and time trials, marathons and water sports. Picture: Shutterstock<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SCN090323-cycling-pic-shutterstock-1.jpg\")
Could the country\u2019s best riders compete on the Sunshine Coast, before the world\u2019s best converge in the region in 2032? Picture: Shutterstock<\/p>\n