State Championship To Ignite Mackay Roads With Elite Cycling Action

More than 100 riders will contest Queensland state titles across three days of time trial, road race and criterium action from 3–5 July, as the Mackay region hosts the 2026 Queensland Road State Championships.

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Presented by AusCycling Queensland and delivered locally by Mackay Cycling Club volunteers, the championships will bring together Queensland’s leading junior, elite, masters and para-cyclists to compete across Mirani, Sarina and Mackay Kart Club at Palmyra.

A total of 109 riders are currently entered across the weekend, spanning categories from under-9 through to elite, masters and para divisions. Entries remain open until 11:59pm on Monday 29 June, with final start lists and event timings to be confirmed after closure.

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Riders will contest three disciplines: an individual time trial in Mirani, road races in Sarina and at the Mackay Kart Club, and a criterium held at the Mackay Kart Club circuit, which will also provide the most accessible viewing experience for spectators.

The action begins Friday 3 July with the individual time trial at Mirani, with sign-on from 8.00am and the first rider off at 9.01am. Riders will compete against the clock over distances ranging from 4km for U9 and U11 categories through to 32km for U23 and elite competitors.

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On Saturday 4 July, road racing continues in Sarina for senior, junior and masters categories from 7.30am, with events expected to conclude in the afternoon. U9, U11 and U13 riders will also compete at the Mackay Kart Club from 7.00am.

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The weekend concludes Sunday 5 July with the criterium at Mackay Kart Club, 21 Grants Road, Palmyra. Racing begins at 7.30am, with the elite and U19 men’s race scheduled for 2.50pm.

The championship field includes a strong mix of emerging talent and experienced competitors.

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Former professional road cyclist and Beijing 2008 Olympian Glen Chadwick will line up in the field, bringing international experience to the event.

Rockhampton’s George Tucker, a national track title holder and Queensland representative, will compete in the Under 19 category as one of Central Queensland’s most promising riders.

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Mackay’s Max Teague enters the U15 Men’s division following a standout season, having claimed the 2026 Australian U15 Men’s XCC title, gold in the Junior Team Relay at the Australian Mountain Bike Championships, and bronze in the 2025 Queensland U15 road race.

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Local representation also includes Elite riders Zac Schwarzrock and Brittany Roberts, Mackay junior Matthew Schatkowski, Cairns U19 rider Chloe Buckley, Townsville’s Nicholas Dixon-Grover, and a strong contingent of developing cyclists from across regional Queensland.

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Mackay Cycling Club committee member Kyle Marwood said the event was a proud moment for the local cycling community.

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“Hosting a Queensland state championship is a huge opportunity for Mackay and the wider region. We have riders coming from across the state, but it is also a chance for our local juniors to race on home ground and see what a championship-level event looks like.

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“To have riders such as Glen Chadwick, George Tucker and Max Teague on the start list makes it a special weekend, but the event is just as much about the volunteers, families, clubs and local businesses who have helped make it happen.”

Spectators are welcome across all three days, with the Mackay Kart Club offering the best viewing opportunities on Saturday’s junior races and throughout Sunday’s criterium program.  

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Motorists in Mirani and Sarina are advised to allow extra travel time, follow signage and comply with traffic controller directions, with full traffic management details to be released ahead of race weekend.

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The event is expected to draw riders, support crews, officials and families from across Queensland, delivering a major boost for regional sport while showcasing Mackay as a key cycling destination.

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