Peaks Challenge Primer: The Ultimate Cycling Event
When people say road riding is gradually losing ground in Australia, the annual Peaks Challenge stubbornly defies this trend, writes Toby Elliot.
Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Tawonga Gap: Three renowned peaks of the Victorian Alps, 235km and a gruelling 4,000 metre climb. The Three Peaks Challenge completed its fourteenth lap around the sun with its riders turning out better than ever before. Two thousand two hundred and thirty challengers registered, 1994 started, and of those, only 256 did not manage to complete the challenge.
Before the sun rose over the Falls Creek start line, at 6:45 am on Sunday the 9th March, those 1994 riders saddled up, set their bike computers, packed up their water bottles, and – like a violent crack of atoms – were off, waving goodbye to pain-free calves, thighs, hamstrings and quads. For the next 13 hours, they would become intimately acquainted with endurance, adrenaline and pain.
The 2025 edition of the Peaks Challenge was arguably the most successful of its epic history.
Event Manager Carlijn Kerdijk oversaw the first sold-out Peaks and, more importantly, saw the highest intake of female riders, up 20% from the previous year.
“I have worked on a lot of cycling events, from amateur rides to professional races. But Peaks Challenge 2025 was something completely different,” she said.
“The support that riders gave each other throughout the event, the salt stains on the jerseys and cycling shorts, the determination to get over the mountains. I have a lot of respect for all those who finished or attempted to finish one of the hardest events one can do. This also includes those 130 volunteers that got out of bed early, stood around in the heat and walked almost as many hours as the riders spent riding their bike. Without their commitment, Peaks would not be possible.”
Pain, Suffering and Cameraderie
The camaraderie surrounding the summit village was impossible to ignore, “You can feel it, the excitement bubbling up in each rider is deserved and encouraged – you don’t see this ‘esprit de corps’ in other events,” said Mark Liddle.
Mark was not alone in this feeling. I was lucky enough to cheer riders on beside the infamous ‘MEG’ corner situated 6km from the base of Mt Hotham. What I was envisioning for the riders couldn’t have been further from what we were greeted with. Instead of agony, we were greeted with ecstasy.
As the gentle shafts of bike light started bending through the canopies surrounding the notorious climb, signalling the incoming stream of challengers. Just two hours after they set off, they passed through ‘the MEG’ cheering each other on, grinning for the cameras, making off-the-cuff jokes to us spectators – if anything, they gave us more support than we gave them.
“Selling my bike, it’s going cheap, do you want it” became a staple, and we quickly learnt to reply “I’ll take it, but my wallet is up at Falls Creek … see you there”.
Unrivalled Support
Young children eagerly awaited family members, hand-drawn signs at the ready to push them through the last few kilometres. Making one final climb up to the finish line to greet parents, uncles, cousins and siblings with open arms and very sore legs; these riders had endured a challenge like no other.
We spectators didn’t simply give them respect, it oozed out of us, gushing down the finishing line coagulating with sweat, tears, half-finished electrolyte drinks and energy gels into nothing short of unbridled admiration.
I caught up with 10-hour wave leader Matilda Raynolds to hear her words on the achievement – not just as a participant and wave leader, but as an invaluable asset to the operational function of the major event.
”Peaks Challenge is hands down one of the best community events I’ve ever been part of,” she said. “And I’ve done a lot, both here and abroad including Tour de Suisse, Unbound, Tour of Dairyland’s just to name a few.
“Thousands of riders take over some of the most scenic landscapes in Australia, all staying together in the Falls Creek village, creating this buzzing, supportive atmosphere,” continued Raynolds. “It’s not a race, but it is a huge battle against yourself, everyone’s just out there chasing their best time and looking out for each other, no egos, no dickheads, no attitudes, just pure camaraderie.”
It’s as tough for the likes of Mark O’Brien and Tori Barry as it is for those pushing to make the 13-hour cutoff. With three iconic climbs and rolling sections in between, Peaks Challenge weaves a beautiful story that everyone follows but experiences in their own way.
When people say road riding is dying in Australia, Peaks Challenge defies this trend. It’s never felt stronger or more special, and I can’t wait to be back next year.
What Makes A Peaks Challenger?
Standing alongside these Peaks Challenge finishers left a remarkable impression on me. I found myself with a burning question – what makes a peaks challenger? I mean – Peaks is a non-pro, amateur Gran Fondo – these aren’t professional athletes (although you’d be forgiven for thinking that).
Alison McCormack, Bicycle Network Chief Executive Officer & 13-time Peaks finisher, provided some much-needed insight.
“It’s the sheer determination and sense of achievement,” she told me. “Everyone comes with their own goals, but what truly sets a Peaks Challenger apart is the incredible support riders show each other along the way.
“There’s no other event quite like it – that’s why I fell in love with it,” continued Alison. When asked about the mental and physical challenge, Ali responded “You have to put in the work to ride 235km with 4,500 meters of climbing within the 13-hour timeframe. But when it gets tough, that’s when the mental challenge really kicks in. I always remind myself why I’m riding.
“I signed up for my first Peaks Challenge in 2012 after my mother passed away, and since then, I’ve lost other close family members, including my dad and my beautiful aunt – who sadly passed just a week before this year’s event. When I hit a rough patch on the ride, I think of them and that gets me through.”
Registration for the 2026 Peaks Challenge, to be held on March 8, is open now. For full details, visit https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/peaks-challenge/
