Cycling
There are plenty of ways to get involved in cycling for veterans and their families, with options available for children as young as two.
“Anyone can have a go at mountain biking. My mental capacity changes when I ride. I absolutely love it. To have something, a community, outside of work is fantastic.”
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a dynamic sport that involves a total body workout of riding a bicycle on different kinds of off-road trails. This can include vertical downhill sections, steep ascents, loose rocks, water crossings, tree roots. It requires endurance, speed, balance and technical skills to navigate through rough terrains. Unlike road bikers, mountain bikers pursue obstacles and see the world as a natural and challenging playground full of winding trails.
Road Cycling
Road Cycling is included in the Invictus Games. There are two main events; time trial and the criterium by competitors on bicycles, tandems, recumbents and hand cycles.
Time trial – competitors race individually against the clock over a single lap of the 2.4km loop. The winning cyclist is the one with the fastest time in their category.
Criterium – competitors will race within their category and complete several laps of the 2.4km course over a 30-minute duration. The next lap after 30 minutes has expired is the final lap. The first cyclist to cross the finish line is the winner. All other cyclists will be awarded a place as they cross the line on that lap.
BMX
BMX is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia. It’s one of the only sports where total family participation can take place.
Riders of all ages (from 2 to 50+) can compete in organised race meetings throughout Australia. The sport of BMX racing ranges from club level right through to state, national and world championship level for all ages.
“We want to be able to share with other veterans the mental health aspects of being out on your bike. You can ride alone, with a mate or you can join a group or club ride and be as social as you want. A good club provides you with a social network, surrounded by people enjoying the same activities as you.”
Ready to get into Cylcing?
Local
partners
Invictus Australia is partnering with Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) to spread their mission of “developing and promoting mountain biking in Australia for the benefit and enjoyment of all”, which also extends to the veteran community.
To keep up to date with upcoming events and connect to your area’s Defence community join your local Facebook group.
If you are interested in a sport that isn’t listed on our website, get in touch. With our contacts in the sporting industry, we have avenues to explore to help you find your tribe.
If you are interested in cycling, or a sport that isn’t listed on our website, get in touch.
More Partners
Only 50 DAYS TO GO until @invictusgames25 kicks off in Vancouver Whistler!
Team Australia have been busy putting the finishing touches on their training ahead of competition in Canada!
Not long now! Drop the team some words of encouragement in the comments. 💛🖤
@weareinvictusgames
We partner with @sportsadf to deliver Team Australia to the Invictus Games.
In an Invictus Games first, veterans will compete in winter sports at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. Hear from Invictus Games alumni and Para Athlete Matt Brumby as he introduces us to Nordic Skiing and Biathlon.
Nordic Skiing challenges competitors to race across rugged terrain using classic skiing techniques, showcasing their stamina and mental toughness in this test of endurance. Split between novices and advance skiers, competitors will race between 750m to 1500m.
The Biathlon adds a twist, combining the physical demands of cross-country skiing with the precision of target shooting, where competitors will use electronic shooting systems to test their focus to hit every mark.
@matty.brumby
#nordicskiing #biathlon #unconqueredtogether #unconquered
Congratulations to those members of Team Veteran who raced at the 2024 ACT Veterans Indoor Rowing in Shoalhaven, NSW earlier this month.
Veteran Engagement Coordinator Megan was on hand cheering on the team, inspired by how close this group have become by participating in regular indoor rowing throughout the year.
"It was amazing to witness the camaraderie, determination, and sheer effort on display."
Our local engagement team facilitates sporting opportunities like this regularly, to find one near you, join your local Facebook group via the link in bio.
#indoorrowing #veteransport #invictusaustralia #invictusaus #supportavetetan #veteransupport