United Energy Around the Bay 2026 launched
Diabetes Victoria is joining Australia’s biggest one-day bike ride this October. The United Energy Around the Bay fundraiser encourages families, groups and workplaces to take on Melbourne’s most iconic bike ride.
This year, AFL great James Hird and Olympic champion and cycling superstar Grace Brown will join Bicycle Network’s charity partners on Sunday 18 October.
From the family-friendly Lap the Track ride at Albert Park through to the 50km, 100km, 135km Geelong start and the classic 220km loop, the event – now in its 32nd year – continues to be one of Victoria’s great traditions.
In 2026, Bicycle Network is partnering with six charities:
- Variety: Bikes for Kids, helping children experience the freedom of riding through the gift of a bike
- Diabetes Victoria: supporting 1.3 million Victorians impacted by or at high risk of diabetes, promoting the critical role physical activity plays in prevention and long-term health
- Beyond Blue: highlighting the link between riding and mental wellbeing
- Stroke Foundation: promoting stroke prevention and recovery through physical activity
- Cancer Council Victoria: championing sun safety, cancer prevention and the benefits of exercise before and after diagnosis
- Very Special Kids: supporting children with life-limiting conditions.
"United Energy Around the Bay remains one of the most powerful celebrations of bike riding in Australia,” says Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack.
“This year we’re especially excited to have James and his daughter Steph Hird involved, alongside Grace Brown and our charity partners. Their involvement shows exactly what this event is about; family, challenge, purpose and getting more people riding more often.”
Former Essendon champion James Hird says he is excited to be part of the ride, which has become a Melbourne ritual.
“What I love about Around the Bay is that it isn’t just for elite riders. It’s for families, friends, workplaces and people who want to give themselves something to aim for,” he says.
“To be able to be part of it with my daughter Steph makes it even more special.”
Olympic champion and Paris 2024 Gold Medallist Grace Brown says the event gives everyone a reason to ride.
“You don’t have to be a professional cyclist to set yourself a big goal. For some riders, that might be their first 50km. For others, it might be the full 220km loop. That’s what makes this event so special.”
United Energy Around the Bay gives riders of all ages and abilities the chance to experience Port Phillip Bay by bike.
Britt Denton
Communications and Media Lead
Brittany Denton is the Communications and Media Lead at Diabetes Victoria. She oversees media relations and communications, contributing to the organisation’s mission of supporting people with diabetes across the state.
