New national champions were crowned and new stars were born as Perth cemented its place as a destination for elite cycling during the Westbridge Funds Road National Championships from January 7−11.
The National Championships attracted more than 50,000 spectators across the week and was a celebration of road cycling, with community involvement a real highlight of the showcase event.
AusCyling Executive General Manager for Major Events, Steve Peterson, said the event was a showcase of community, riding and excitement.
“The Westbridge Funds Road National Championships are truly unique and very special,” Mr Peterson said.
Perth was the perfect backdrop for the National Championships. (Chris Auld)
“No other national championships in road cycling, globally, comes close to the week-long celebration we've enjoyed here in Western Australia.
"The energy was huge and it was impossible to find a seat in a bar or pub. The City of Perth is rapt, there are plenty of happy business owners, and if we can deliver entertaining racing and create impact for sport and for business, in the heart of Perth, then that truly is impact.
"Kings Park is truly an iconic location, on the doorstep of Perth's CBD, and I would dare you to find a better podium backdrop than what we see here in Perth with the view across to the city and over the Swan River."
Newly crowned champion Mackenzie Coupland with Premier Roger Cook MLA and the spectacular Perth skyline. (Zac Williams)
More than 15,000 spectators packed the streets and venues in Northbridge on Friday. And riders of all ages, shapes, sizes, classes joined the excitement in the Steadyrack Gran Fondo and AusBike Community Ride.
“Attracting thousands of entries in 2026, the National Championships is about the pointy end of our sport, hungry for the green-and gold-jersey. But it’s more than that: fast or slow, there is a ride and an experience for everyone,” Peterson said.
Stunning television images and photography showcasing the sport and the City of Perth were beamed across Australia and across the world.
Crowds line the streets, bars and restaurants of Northbridge on Friday. (Zac Williams)
AusCycling delivered a world-class production and SBS carried primetime images to the eastern states. For the first time, a partnership with FloBikes allowed AusCycling to broadcast the event globally, turning all eyes of the cycling world to Perth and Western Australia.
"Now in its second year in Perth, RoadNats continues to grow, evolve, and elevate its impact. We can't wait to be back here again next year, but let's probably take a breath first,” Peterson said.
Last year, the event generated $9.45 million in direct economic impact to Western Australia, representing a 7.6 times return on investment on Tourism WA’s support.