Tour de Brisbane 2026 – From the Peloton to the Finish Line

By Charlie Vella – Mackay Cycles Staff Member & Brand Ambassador

This year I took on the Tour de Brisbane — one of Australia’s biggest mass participation cycling events — and it definitely lived up to the hype.

With thousands of riders rolling out onto fully closed roads across Brisbane, it’s not your typical race. It’s part race, part challenge, and part celebration of cycling — and from the moment we hit the start line, you could feel that energy.

🎥 Rolling Out – The Start

I lined up on my Specialized Tarmac SL8 Comp, feeling ready to go. It was my first time riding in a peloton this big — and to be honest, it was a bit sketchy at times.

There were a few close calls early, wheels overlapping, riders moving unpredictably — but that’s all part of the experience. I stayed calm, stayed upright, and settled into the rhythm of the bunch.

Once things stretched out, the ride really started to open up.

⛰️ Mount Coot-tha – A Brisbane Icon

One of the defining moments of the course is the climb up Mount Coot-tha — and it didn’t disappoint.

I felt strong early, especially on the climbs, and the bike handled everything perfectly. Fast on the flats, responsive on the hills, and stable on the descent back down. It’s one of those sections where you really feel like you’re part of something big.

👊 Mackay Crew on Tour

One of the best parts of the day was having a strong crew from Mackay out there.

I rode alongside Matthew, Luke Schatkowski, and Riley Green for sections of the race. Having familiar faces in an event this size makes a massive difference — you can work together, support each other, and share the experience.

Me and Riley were both racing in the 16–18 age group, and after a solid ride, I managed to finish 9th, which I was really happy with.

💥 The Real Test

Like any big event, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

At around 85km, the cramps hit — and they hit hard.

From there, it turned into a real mental battle. I had to ride the last 30km solo, just focusing on turning the pedals and getting to the finish. A few of the other Mackay riders were dealing with the same thing, so it was definitely a tough day out across the board.

But that’s part of what makes events like this so rewarding — you find a way through.

I crossed the line in 3:08, completely spent but stoked to have finished strong.

🎥 The Finish Line

🙌 Why You Should Do It

The Tour de Brisbane isn’t just about results — it’s about the experience.

Closed roads. Thousands of riders. Iconic climbs. A proper event atmosphere.

Whether you’re racing, chasing a PB, or just riding to finish, it’s something every cyclist should try at least once.

Massive congratulations to all the Mackay riders who made the trip and took part this year — awesome effort from everyone 👏

If you’ve been thinking about it… take this as your sign.

Lock it in for next year 👉 Tour de Brisbane 2027

You won’t regret it.

🔜 What’s Next

Now it’s back to training, building strength, and getting ready for state titles. There’s always another goal to chase 👊

📍 Mackay Cycles
Supporting local riders, racing, and the cycling community.