Three-time champion Amanda Spratt embraces new Nationals challenge

She’s won the Australian title three times, but the upcoming Road Nationals will present a new challenge for Amanda Spratt – in more ways than one.

For the first time in her storied career, ‘Spratty’ will see the AusCycling Road National Championships move from Ballarat to Perth.

The previous venue has been a happy hunting ground: she became the elite road champion in Buninyong in 2012, 2016 and 2020. But Spratt agrees it’s time for a new host.

Spratt has been one of Australia's top riders for over a decade. (Photo: Getty Images)

“As always I’m really excited and motivated to race in Australia over the summer,” Spratt said.

“Heading to Perth will be a new experience for me but I think it’s great that we have a location change. It’s no secret that I loved the Buninyong course, but I do think Nationals were overdue for a change and a different course.”

It’s not just the new venue. The 37-year-old climber from western Sydney will race the national criterium championships for the first time in recent memory.

The Lidl-Trek star is eager to hear the cheers of the crowd along the streets of Northbridge and the roads of Kings Park and Perth’s CBD.

“I will be racing the criterium for the first time in a while, so I’m excited to start with that and get some good speed in the legs. It’s always a great atmosphere with crowds,” Spratt said.

“The road race will be a bit of an unknown, I think. With a new course, it doesn’t look overly hard on paper but courses that look like that often turn out to be some of the hardest and most exciting racing! We also race in the afternoon heat and wind which I expect can both play a factor.”

Spratt after winning her third national title in 2020. (Photo: Con Chronis)

Incredibly, the 2025 championships will be Spratt’s 17th participation at the elite level. With eleven top 10s, six podiums and three green-and-gold jerseys to her name in the road race alone, she will certainly start as one of the big contenders.

The 2025 AusCycling Road National Championships will be held from January 8-12 in Perth.

Spratt expects to be joined by her Lidl-Trek teammates Lauretta Hanson and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden, although the team's line-up is yet to be confirmed.

Feature photo: Zac Williams