Women have been captivated by cycling since bicycles arrived in Australia. The bike was a catalyst for emancipation as women enjoyed new independence and freedom.

An early record-breaker was Billie Samuels, a diminutive 23-year-old Victorian, who in 1934 set the women’s record for riding from Melbourne to Sydney when she completed the journey in 3 days and 17 hours. A few months later, Samuels turned around and rode from Sydney to Melbourne, breaking Elsa Barbour’s 1932 record of 3 days and 7 hours.

Another Australian cycling champion, Anna Meares started competitive cycling in 1994 at the age of 11. At 21 she joined the Australian Institute of Sport’s track cycling program and became one of Australia’s most successful cyclists. Now retired, Meares achieved multiple world championship victories, and is a national and Commonwealth, world and Olympic record holder.

Today, Australian women continue to take up cycling in increasing numbers, although professionals receive a disproportionately small share of funding.