Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane

Australians dominated the Oceania Road Championships held in Brisbane, securing three of the four elite titles along with multiple victories across junior, under-23, and para-cycling categories. The event, returning for the first time since 2024, attracted top riders primarily from Australia and New Zealand, as well as competitors from smaller Oceania nations. The two-day championships featured challenging courses around Mount Crosby and Mount Walker, with the elite road races incorporating the demanding Kholo Road climb, which shaped selective and tactical racing. In the women’s elite road race, 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer emerged victorious in a closely contested sprint against fellow Australian Sophia Sammons. Schweitzer, riding for Eneicat-Be Call, also claimed the under-23 title, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. On the men’s side, Carter Bettles narrowly edged out New Zealand’s Luke Mudgway in a repeat of their earlier season duel at the Pune Grand Tour, where Mudgway had previously prevailed. The under-23 men’s title went to William Heffernan, who finished 12th overall. The time trials, held on a flatter course around Mount Walker, saw New Zealand’s Bronwyn Macgregor claim the elite women’s title at the age of 43, defeating Australian Katelyn Nicholson by 12 seconds. Australia’s Conor Leahy took the men’s time trial crown, finishing ahead of teammate Oliver Bleddyn by 21 seconds. Australian riders also swept the junior and under-23 time trial categories, while para-cyclist Darren Hicks secured multiple titles, further highlighting the depth of talent across the region. With WorldTour riders largely absent due to the timing of the event in the season, the championships provided a valuable platform for emerging talents like Schweitzer and Bettles to claim their first Continental titles. Their victories underscore the strength of Australian cycling development and hint at promising futures for these young athletes on the international stage. The Oceania Road Championships continue to serve as a key stepping stone for riders aiming to make their mark in global competitions.