The Oceania Cycling Confederation has confirmed there will be no Oceania Road Championships in 2025 after an extensive but unsuccessful search for a willing organiser. The OCC said it worked with member federations and prospective hosts over recent months, but no viable date and venue emerged. President Tony Mitchell acknowledged the disappointment for riders, teams and fans, and stressed that efforts are now focused on securing a 2026 host.
What it means for riders and teams
Scrapping the 2025 edition removes a key pathway event from the calendar. The Championships typically deliver valuable UCI points, selection arguments for national squads, and the right to wear the continental jersey. Without a 2025 race, programmes will need to pivot toward national championships and international stage races to fill the performance and points gap. For emerging riders, it is also a missed shop window, especially for those outside WorldTour structures who use the continental title as leverage for contracts and invitations.
Jerseys in 2025 – who keeps wearing what
Under UCI rules, the 2024 champions may retain their Oceania jerseys until the next Championships are held. That means:
- Men’s road race: Ryan Cavanagh
- Men’s time trial: Aaron Gate
- Women’s road race: Katelyn Nicholson
- Women’s time trial: Isabelle Carnes
They carry those colours into 2026 unless a replacement event is staged sooner.
Roll of honour – recent and notable winners
The Oceania Championships have consistently showcased Australia and New Zealand’s depth, producing winners who went on to WorldTour success.
- Men’s road race: Michael Matthews (2009), Cameron Meyer (2013), Luke Durbridge (2014), Lucas Hamilton (2017), Chris Harper (2018), Benjamin Dyball (2019), James Fouché (2022), Liam Walsh (2023), Ryan Cavanagh (2024).
- Men’s time trial: Paul Odlin (2013), Joseph Cooper (2014), Michael Hepburn (2015), Sean Lake (2016-2017), Hamish Bond (2018), Benjamin Dyball (2019), Aaron Gate (2022, 2024), Tom Sexton (2023).
- Women’s road race: Shara Gillow (2011), Gracie Elvin (2012), Jessica Allen (2014), Lauren Kitchen (2015), Shannon Malseed (2016), Sharlotte Lucas (2018-2019), Josie Talbot (2022), Sophie Edwards (2023), Katelyn Nicholson (2024).
- Women’s time trial: Shara Gillow (multiple titles), Katrin Garfoot (2015-2016), Grace Brown (2018), Kate Perry (2019), Georgie Howe (2022), Georgia Perry (2023), Isabelle Carnes (2024).
The OCC position
“The OCC understands this news will be disappointing to riders, teams and fans,” said President Tony Mitchell. “We worked hard to find a solution and are now committed to hosting the Championships in 2026.” The confederation thanked member federations for supporting the process and for working toward a confirmed host for 2026.
What’s next
The OCC says 2026 planning is under way, with details to be announced once a host is secured. National federations and trade teams will adjust race plans around that timeline, while 2024 continental champions continue to represent Oceania in their jerseys into the new season.
