Backroads Gravel Secures 2027 AusCycling National Championships for Western Australia

AusCycling has awarded the 2027 National Gravel Championships to Backroads Gravel, bringing the national event to Nabawa and the Chapman Valley in Western Australia’s Mid West.

Scheduled for Saturday, 7 August 2027, the championships relocate following a two-year tenure in South Australia, marking a milestone for regional sports tourism and economic boost. The event will challenge Australia’s leading elite and age-group riders across a demanding course designed to showcase the region’s fast, flowing gravel roads.

AusCycling executive general manager for major events, Steve Peterson, emphasised the value of the relocation.

“Awarding the 2027 AusCycling Gravel National Championships to Backroads Gravel is an exciting step forward for the discipline and reflects both the quality of the event and the strength of the cycling community in Western Australia.”

“Backroads Gravel has established a strong reputation for delivering outstanding participant experiences in a uniquely Australian setting, and we are confident the team will provide a fitting stage for our national champions to be crowned.

“The Championships also present a significant opportunity to further grow gravel cycling across Australia, showcase the Mid West region to riders and visitors from around the country, and strengthen pathway opportunities for athletes transitioning from other endurance disciplines,” Peterson said.

Western Australian Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister, Hon. Roger Cook, underscored the commercial and visitor economy benefits.

“Securing the 2027 AusCycling Gravel National Championships is a fantastic result for the state, and in particular the Mid West, as it further strengthens Western Australia’s reputation as a leading cycling and events destination.”

“The championships will attract competitors and supporters from across the country, generating valuable visitor expenditure while showcasing the spectacular landscapes and tourism experiences on offer throughout the region.

“Mass participation sporting events like this form an important part of the WA Government’s economic diversification agenda, helping to grow tourism, support local jobs and businesses, and deliver lasting benefits to regional communities,” Cook stated.

Reflecting on the event’s evolution since 2022, Backroads Gravel event director, Dave Budge, shared: “Five years ago, we were simply trying to establish a great gravel event in the Mid West. Now we’re preparing to welcome Australia’s best gravel cyclists to Nabawa to race for a national championship.”

“That’s a pretty exciting progression.

“This is a huge vote of confidence in Backroads Gravel, but also in the Chapman Valley and the Midwest as a cycling destination.

“The growth of the event has been extraordinary, and that comes down to the hard work of our Local Organising Committee, volunteers, partners, sponsors and the local community,” Budge noted. 

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