2026 Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer a gerat success!

Thousands of riders rolled out of Brisbane on Sunday for the 2026 Mater Uncancer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer, enjoying brilliant conditions for the event’s new August date.

The annual charity ride brings together cyclists on a journey from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, raising vital funds for cancer research along the way.

Bicycle Queensland has a long connection with the event, having established the Brisbane to Gold Coast ride more than two decades ago before the Mater Foundation took over its delivery. BQ Chair Hon. Rachel Nolan was among the many BQ members, staff and supporters taking part on Sunday.

“It’s completely joyous. It’s a whole bunch of people coming together to ride further than they probably ordinarily would, and they do it in a real spirit of the joy of cycling,” Rachel said.

“While we don’t run the event anymore, we did start it as a big charity ride, and are responsible for the spirit of the event. The Mater are continuing that tradition really well.

For Rachel, one of the most important aspects of the event remains its ability to show that riding a bike, even over a substantial distance, isn’t something reserved for highly trained cyclists.

“When BQ started this event, the whole idea was to convince ordinary people that they could ride from Brisbane to the Gold Coast,” she said.

“This wasn’t some kind of hardcore athletic activity but something that an ordinary person could do. And I think there is a bit of that spirit now. There are lots of people who are just thrilled that they can ride from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.”

Bicycle Queensland works to make riding a normal part of life for more Queenslanders, and the spirit of the event helps highlight that.

“At Bicycle Queensland, what we’re about is promoting bike riding for fun and for transport, just as a normal, legitimate way to get around,” Rachel said. “So having all of these people come together and safely ride to the coast is right in the heart of what we believe in.”

Riding for cancer research

For Mater event director Hans de Koning, the support shown by riders and fundraisers was once again a highlight of the event.

“It’s been amazing to see the community support for cancer research. It’s always humbling,” Hans said.

“What has stood out to me the most this year has been the community support. These are people that don’t have to do it, and they do it because they want better outcomes for health. I think that’s incredible.”

Hans said funds raised through the event provide crucial support for medical research, helping researchers improve treatments and outcomes for people living with cancer.

“Cancer is a really tricky beast in general, and I think the only way we’re going to be able to solve cancer, or at least make it easier for those patients with cancer, is through medical research,” he said.

“We’ve seen what outcomes look like in areas such as the cervical cancer vaccine. These things do exist. Treatment for cancer is getting better, and the only way that we can do that is with capital.

“That’s why the funds that we raise are so important, because they give us the opportunity to go out and try and find these cures or these treatment options for people with cancer.”

The whole event is possible thanks to the strength of those who take part, which Hans highlighted.

“I’d just like to say a big thank you to the supporters and all those people who rode today.”

Bicycle Queensland was proud to once again support the Mater Uncancer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer, including providing one-day rider insurance for participants.

A thank you to our members

Congratulations to everyone who took on the ride, but especially to the Bicycle Queensland members who participated and raised funds for the Mater Foundation.

“We thank all our members who came along. Especially those who personally donated, who helped fundraise themselves, or sought donations as part of teams,” said BQ’s CEO Dr. Matthew Burke.

“We’re really pleased charity giving was so high this year.”

“Whether it was your first time and you discovered you really can ride a bike from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, or if this was your fifteenth ride south on this event, thanks for making it a great day.”