The first cycle races in Australia were novelty events at athletics carnivals. By the 1880s newly formed cycling clubs were organising meets and by the early 20th century, competitive cycling clubs with track and road racing programs, had formed across the country.

Earlier divisions between amateur and professional riders have eroded over time and in 2017 there were about 200 cycling clubs in Australia, with nearly 50,000 members.

Freewheeling featured the story of amateur cyclist Jim Coyle, who enjoyed his greatest success as a veteran after a comeback from retirement. He won the Australian and Victorian road racing titles several times during the 1970s and 1980s.