Tour de Brisbane 2026 – Cheat Sheet

1. City to Riverloop (0–15km)

This is where it all begins. High energy, fast pace, and positioning is everything.

Starting from Alice Street in the city, you’ll head towards the Story Bridge (perfect first photo moment ). At around 3.8km, you’ll hit a technical turn into River Terrace, narrow road, steep and winding descent (so stay alert.)

You’ll then roll through South Bank into the busway, heading towards the Eleanor Schonell Bridge before a U-turn into the famous Riverloop.

Tips:

• Don’t get carried away early
• Find the right group at your race pace
• Avoid burning matches too soon

   

2. Riverloop to Mt Coot-tha (15–36km)

This is where the race starts to stretch out.

The Riverloop Corso section (about 4km) is fast and flat, expect the pace to surge. Then comes the sting: Cemetery Hill (12–13%) followed by Highgate Hill. Legs will already feel it here.

After a technical descent into West End, you’ll hit the fast section. Go Between Bridge and onto the M3, heading into the Legacy Tunnel. This ~4km stretch is quick, slightly downhill at first, then ramps up (3–4%).

Tips:

• Stay with your group, but don’t overwork
• Resist the urge to push too hard in the tunnel
• Save your legs, the climb is coming

   

3. Mt Coot-tha to Sumner (36–60km)

The hardest part of the course.

You’ll start with the Botanic Gardens climb (up to 12%), then straight into the front side of Mt Coot-tha : 2.2km with 146m elevation.

The climb is split into two sections:

• First half: punchy and demanding
• Middle: slight relief
• Second half: steady 7–11% to the summit

After the top, don’t expect an immediate descent, you’ll ride ~3.8km of undulating terrain before a technical downhill.

Tips:

• Find your rhythm and pace the climb
• Use the “rest” sections wisely
• Descend safely, give space if needed

   

4. Sumner to Kingsford Smith (60–93km)

You’ve survived the climb, now it’s about endurance and teamwork.

This 20km rolling section takes you back toward the Legacy Tunnel. Group riding becomes crucial here, working together will save energy.

Once through the tunnel again, you’ll head toward Hamilton, the flattest section of the course.

Tips:

• Stick with a strong group
• Contribute when you can, recover when needed
• Fuel and hydrate consistently

   

5. Kingsford Smith to Finish (93–110km)

Final 17km! time to empty the tank.

The route isn’t simple: expect rolling busway sections and multiple technical turns through the city before heading back over the Story Bridge to the finish.

Tips:

• Fuel up before the final push
• Stay sharp through technical sections
• Give it everything in the last stretch

As you take on the Tour de Brisbane ride or race, remember that success isn’t just about speed, it’s about riding smart, staying safe, and enjoying every moment on the bike. Pace yourself, respect the course, and make the most of the fully closed roads and iconic Brisbane scenery.

Whether you’re aiming for a strong finish time or simply ticking off one of Australia’s premier cycling events, the Tour de Brisbane is an experience like no other. Ride smart, ride safe, and most importantly enjoy the ride all the way to the finish line.