In what promises to be a landmark weekend for Australian cycling, the 65th anniversary edition of the Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell will deliver high-speed action through Glen Innes before culminating at the finish line in Inverell. Riders will depart Grafton on Saturday, 14 March, with celebrations continuing on Sunday, 15 March at the purpose-built Lake Inverell Criterium circuit.
Adding to the festivities, Inverell will host a vibrant Multicultural Festival alongside the racing. With hundreds of competitors and spectators expected in town, and the event set to be live-streamed globally for the first time in 2026, the region is preparing for an electric atmosphere both on and off the course.
ProVelo Super League Founder Aaron Flanagan says this year’s Anniversary Edition is particularly exciting for New England as the region will be showcased via broadcast on SBS, Sky News New Zealand and a free global live stream that will significantly expand it’s global audience.
“We’re thrilled for the local club to have this global platform for their town and the sport they’re so passionate about,” Mr Flanagan says. “It’s the icing on the cake for them after decades of driving this event since the 60’s to where it’s a highlight of the year for world-class riders.”
A premier event on the ProVelo Super League calendar, the iconic Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell Road Race takes six to seven hours to complete. Endurance is tested over 229km of tough terrain and a gruelling climb up the Gibraltar Range.
“The broadcast will highlight the Glen Innes Highlands and New England High Country landscapes, helping to position our region as an attractive destination for nature-based experiences, road trips and cycling adventures,” says Ronnie Bombell, Coordinator of Economic Development and Tourism, Glen Innes Severn Council.
This year’s challenge will be followed by a Criterium on Sunday, 15 March at Lake Inverell cycling circuit. A gruelling race which demands 3300m of climbing from it’s participants.
Among Inverell locals to watch in the Road Race are Peter Horwood, Brendan Jones, Darren Halliday, Shane and Trudy Edmunds. Competing at the Criterium circuit will be Ryan Thomas and Brent Rees.
“It’s such an exciting experience for our community to host and an incredible opportunity for not only our local riders but the very pretty aesthetic of our town to be seen all over the world,” says Kate Dight, Mayor of Inverell Shire Council.
“In celebration of this, Inverell Multicultural Festival will this year run on Sunday 15 March from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Criterium Track, where racing begins at 12:30 pm,” Mayor Dight said.
Attracting more than 300 competitors from all over Australia and around the world, their friends and family, and a travelling party of around 700 to deliver the event, the whole weekend brings a welcome boost to the local economy through stays and spending.
“It’s a boom for business in our town and for the various attractions across the wider region,” Mayor Dight said. “Council is heavily invested in nurturing the unique beauty of Inverell, and this year, more people from more countries than ever before will have the opportunity to appreciate this very special place.”
Where to watch the racing action
Day 1 Grafton to Inverell Road Race Saturday 14 March.
At Glen Innes, riders are expected to pass through the centre of town between 9:15 am and 2 pm or when the final support vehicle (Sag Wagon) passes.
Best viewing will be along the west edge of Grey Street between Wentworth and Meade streets.
At Inverell, the best race-day experience will be at the finish line with a big screen at Victoria Park on Vivian Street from 1 pm.
Day 2 Criterium at Lake Inverell Circuit Sunday 15 March
At Mitchell Road, Inverell, scheduled activities will run from 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm.
Inverell Multicultural Festival fun from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.
If you can’t spectate, catch the live race coverage on SBS and SBS On Demand.
For details of road closures on the day visit your Council website.
Shout out for volunteers
Glen Innes is seeking volunteers to assist with marshalling for around 20 minutes while the Men’s and Women’s races run through Gwydir Highway, past the Standing Stones. If you’d like to be involved in this cycling classic, download an application form here or contact Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre for details.
The ProVelo Super League (PSL) is Australia’s premier elite road cycling competition, running annually through the summer and featuring both men’s and women’s divisions. Launched in 2025 to replace the National Road Series, the league brings together top domestic and international teams in a series of high-impact races, including multi-day tours and iconic one-day classics, across six key events from January to March. Designed as a pathway to the WorldTour, the PSL offers riders the chance to earn professional opportunities while delivering fan-friendly racing, with live and global broadcast coverage through partners such as SBS. Sanctioned by AusCycling and attracting competitors from around the world, the PSL continues to elevate the profile of Australian road cycling both at home and internationally.
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