Cycling champion rides for kids in need

Gracie Elvin: “Being part of the Ride for the Kids is such a nice way to blend doing something that still brings me joy, while providing support to children.”

Former Olympian and two-time Australian road cycling champion Gracie Elvin is putting her name behind a cause helping children with brain disorders and their families.

The Eumundi cyclist has been named an ambassador for Ride for the Kids, an October cycling event raising funds for Brainwave, a charity supporting children living with brain disorders.

“It has always been important for me to find ways to give back, as cycling has given me so much in my life,” Elvin said.  “Being part of the Ride for the Kids is such a nice way to blend doing something that still brings me joy, while providing support to children and their families that are facing the challenges of brain injury and illness. Seeing first-hand what this organisation has done for kids and families makes it easy to ride a few extra kilometres to make a difference.”

Elvin brings an extraordinary sporting pedigree to the role, having represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics, six UCI World Championships and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. In 2017 she also became the first Australian woman to finish on the podium at the prestigious Tour of Flanders.

But her influence on cycling has extended well beyond racing.

In 2017, while still competing professionally, Elvin co-founded The Cyclists’ Alliance, the first international union for women professional cyclists.

Her work with the organisation included communications, policy development and a mentoring program for riders, while the alliance advocated for measures including minimum salaries, maternity leave and stronger protections for professional cyclists.

Elvin retired from professional racing in 2020 but has remained closely involved with the sport as a commentator, writer, speaker and podcast co-host.

She also worked as Athlete Liaison at AusCycling, with a focus on rider wellbeing and ensuring athletes had a meaningful voice in the sport’s governance.

Her latest role with Ride for the Kids combines her cycling experience with support for families facing major health challenges.

The October event will raise funds for Brainwave’s work with children affected by neurological conditions and their families.

More information and registrations are available at rideforthekids.org.au.