The 2026 Audax Alpine Classic
The Audax Alpine Classic isn’t just one of Australia’s toughest rides, it’s also one of the best!
While the original 200km course and 4,200m of climbing takes you through the most spectacular Alpine climbs, what makes this ride truly special is the camaraderie and Audax spirit that comes with it. Shared suffering, mutual support, and new friendships forged over pain and personal achievement. That’s what the Classic is all about.
This year’s edition certainly delivered on the challenge front. Our 65 registered riders battled close to gale force winds through the valley between Tawonga and Mt Beauty and then wet and wintery conditions at the top of Falls Creek. My Garmin registered 32 degrees back over Tawonga Gap but mercifully, slightly more forgiving conditions were enjoyed on the final Buffalo climb.
Did we get lucky with the weather? Maybe. Did riders earn every single one of those 4,200 metres of climbing? Absolutely.
The Volunteers Who Made It All Possible
A massive thank you to the incredible volunteers who made this event happen. Michelle held down the fort at Bright, keeping spirits high and logistics running smoothly. Wolfgang and Simon Maddison (our own Vic President!) delivered legendary hospitality at Mt Beauty with a muffin on arrival being cited by some riders as the highlight of their day! Up at the freezing Falls Creek checkpoint, Eileen and Peter braved the elements with their usual warmth and efficiency. And finally, the cheerful Jo at Mt Buffalo, whose salt and vinegar chips and coke were just what exhausted riders needed.
A Lesson in Fuelling
Speaking of checkpoints, we learned something important this year: fruit cake has its place, but that place is NOT at the top of Mt Buffalo! I can personally attest to this after losing the slice I ate on the descent. My stomach simply couldn’t handle it. Riders were unanimous: by that stage, they’re craving salty, not sweet. The muffins at Mt Beauty? Perfect. The fruit cake at Buffalo? A bridge too far. Jo’s initiative to stock salt and vinegar chips was an absolute life saver, and this feedback is noted for 2027. We’re also thinking about adding a water stop halfway up Buffalo, which I think would be crucial if conditions were any hotter.
The Numbers Tell a Story
Of our 65 registered riders, 51 completed the full 200km course. A fantastic result given the conditions and the unforgiving nature of the Classic.
We had 11 DNFs (no shame in that, this ride claims scalps every year) and 4 DNS.
What really stands out is how tight the field was:
• Fastest time: 8 hours 27 minutes (absolutely flying!)
• Median time: 10 hours 57 minutes
• Half the field finished between: 10 hours 22 minutes and 11 hours 41 minutes
• Longest completion: 13 hours 15 minutes
The Brewery Finish: A Game Changer
This year’s finish location was an absolute hit. There’s something magical about rolling in after 200km and 4,200m of climbing to find cold drinks, hot food, and fellow riders who know exactly what you’ve just been through. The shared war stories, the cheers as each rider came in …. instant camaraderie. This is what Audax is all about. We’ll definitely be keeping this tradition alive.
Looking Ahead to 2027
We’ve purposely capped registration at 100 riders to keep the event manageable, sustainable and to maintain that special Alpine Classic atmosphere. But word is getting out. With Jo and Rishi working their social media magic, we’re expecting next year to be a sell-out. Check out @Audaxoz on instagram.
We’re also exploring the possibility of offering two shorter options alongside the full 200km: a 130km ride up to Falls Creek, and a 70km option tackling Mt Buffalo, both ending at the Bright Brewery for that perfect finish line atmosphere. This could open up the Classic to more riders while preserving the epic challenge that the original course offers.
The Spirit Lives On
The return of the Audax Alpine Classic to the calendar isn’t just about preserving a ride. It’s about preserving a tradition. For 40 years, this event has been introducing riders to the Audax community, forging friendships over shared suffering, and proving that sometimes the best days are the ones that nearly break you.
Whether you finished in 8 hours or 13, whether the wind tried to blow you off your bike or the cramp fairy visited you up the Buffalo climb, whether you demolished those Mt Beauty muffins or politely declined the fruit cake, you were part of something special this year.
Thanks to everyone who made the 2026 Alpine Classic unforgettable.
Viva le Audax Alpine Classic!!!
Luke Martin
Ride Organiser