CX BALLARAT

Location: VIC
Date: Friday, August 14, 2026

CX Ballarat returns as the beating heart of Australian cyclo-cross, hosting the 2026 AusCycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships across a winter weekend where champions are crowned, and the CX community comes alive. Set in Victoria Park, this event delivers everything that makes cyclo-cross unique: the perfect blend of serious racing, inclusive participation, and that distinctive festival atmosphere where spectators become part of the action.

The weekend brings together elite racers, age-groupers, and first-timers across two full days of competition, complemented by the CX Ballarat Village serving local beers, hot frites, quality coffee, and a soundtrack that keeps the energy high from first whistle to final lap.

And being winter in Ballarat, there's always hope for snow – because nothing says cyclo-cross quite like racing through mud, barriers, and maybe a few flurries.

Date: Friday-Sunday, August 14-16, 2026

Location: Victoria Park, Newington, Ballarat, Victoria

Event Type: AusCycling National Championships & National Series Round

Race Categories: All ages from U9 through Elite, including UCI C2 events

Course: ~2.5km, predominantly grass (90%) with dirt sections

Spectator Entry: Free

The 2026 course brings fresh challenges to Victoria Park's expansive grounds, with a predominantly grass layout that'll test bike handling and tactical nous across 2.5 kilometres of racing. Expect the full cyclo-cross repertoire – technical turns that reward clean lines, sections where power matters, and those moments where you'll be shouldering your bike and running. While the famous Mound won't feature in 2026, the course designers have ensured Ballarat's winter conditions will provide plenty of character.

The beauty of cyclo-cross is visible from anywhere on the course. Spectators can follow the entire race, cheering riders through each lap while staying warm with coffee and beers from the Village. It's sport as it should be: accessible, exciting, and genuinely fun to watch.

2026 pricing and registration details TBD.

2025 Reference Pricing:

Saturday – National Championships:

  • Regular Entry: $60
  • U15-U17: $45
  • U13: $25
  • Little CX'ers (U9 & U11): Free

Sunday – National Series & UCI C2:

  • UCI Categories (Elite, U23, U19): $60
  • Regular Entry: $40
  • U15-U17: $30
  • U13: $15
  • Little CX'ers (U9 & U11): Free

All entries subject to AusCycling regulations and entry policies.

Elite Competition: National Championship titles across Elite Men's, Elite Women's, U23, and Junior categories, plus UCI C2 races drawing international-level competition.

Age Group Racing: Categories spanning U13 through Masters, with dedicated Championship races on Saturday and National Series points available Sunday.

Little CX'ers: Non-championship racing for U9 and U11 riders, introducing the next generation to cyclo-cross in a supportive, fun environment.

Website: https://www.cxnationals.com.au

Website 2: cxballarat.com.au

Facebook: /cxballarat

Instagram: @cxballarat

Email: info@corporatecycling.cc

Victoria Park in Ballarat is easily accessible by car or public transport. Located about 3 km west of Ballarat's city centre, the park is bordered by Sturt Street to the north, Gillies Street to the west, Pleasant Street to the east, and Winter Street to the south.

If you're driving from Melbourne, take the Western Freeway (M8); the journey typically takes around 90 minutes.

For public transport users, V/Line trains run regularly from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Station. From there, local buses, such as Route 26, can take you close to the park.

The park is well-equipped with amenities, including walking paths, sports ovals, picnic areas, and an inclusive play space.

Make a proper weekend of your national championship campaign by exploring Ballarat's rich history and thriving food scene.

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