Mike O'Connor
The Mudgee Classic has once again showed why it is one of the must-do events on Australia’s cycling calendar, with the weekend-long celebration of dirt and tarmac delivering for more than 3,000 riders over the last two days.
Unusually warm weather set the tone for a standout weekend, which kicked off with the Dirty Mudgee on Saturday – the Classics’ dedicated gravel event. This saw hundreds of dust-loving riders line-up for their first crack at two new gravel courses for 2026 – the 55km Dash Classic, and the big one – the 90km Grit Classic.
As riders checked their gear and gathered at Cooyal Hall, the start line buzzed with anticipation while ProVelo cycling commentator Angus Calder calmed pre-ride nerves and kept things humming with plenty of good-natured hype.
Before long, it was go-time as the start gun was fired and wave after wave of riders rolled out and settled into the opening kilometres of their chosen course.
Out on the backroads and country trails surrounding Mudgee, the sun held firm, giving riders a chance to take in the region’s quiet, scenic landscape as the event unfolded and the ks ticked away.
By the afternoon, the village was pumping and the beers were flowing as riders made their way across the finish and took a well-earned rest surrounded by fine food from local Mudgee businesses and of course, our amazing sponsors.
Sunday was for the roadies, and the start line at Church street was packed as hundreds lined up bright and early, with plenty exchanging war stories while they nursed tired legs from a tough day out the day before.
In front of them lay four distances, the 35km Social Classic, the 65km Rouleurs, the 120km Challenge and the 170km Classic.
For Classics’ Founder James Yaffa, it was simply one for the record books.
“Seeing a sell-out crowd of Classics riders lined up down Church Street, all ready to take on the day, was something special,” he said.
“The energy was next level, and it was a real reflection of how much people are craving these experiences, and just how incredible the Mudgee region is.”
Ambassador Kate Lee tackled the 170km Maxi course, and was also the first female home on the day.
“It was an awesome day out,” she said.
“The vibes were high, and the roads were smooth. Weather turned it on. Such a well-run event, so a big thank you to all the team and volunteers involved. Get around it for 2027!”
In amongst the field were individual stories of grit and determination, like our youngest Rider, Toby, aged 12, a proud member of Randwick & Sydney CC and bravely taking on the 120km Challenge Classic with his Dad.
MC Angus Calder, once again hyping the crowd, asked him his advice for everyone riding, and he summed it up perfectly: “Just have fun out there,” he said.
By the afternoon, a calm morning had turned into a stunning afternoon as weary but happy riders rolled into the local Glen Willow Sporting Complex all with stories to tell of a brilliant day riding in a special part of the country.
We will have the official Mudgee Classic video out in the next few days, while for now the official event photos are up on www.mudgeeclassic.com.au.
A huge thanks to Focus, our Major Bike Brand Partner, for their support of the Mudgee Classic.
The Cycling Classics’ next major Gran Fondo is the Bowral Classic in October, with registrations now open. Full details at www.bowralclassic.com.au.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
