BMX Olympic legend leads National Ride2School Day

One lucky group of children from Milton State School were surprised to be escorted to the classroom by Olympic Bronze BMX medallist and BCF’s 2025 Ambassador Natalya Diehm as they celebrated the official first day of the Festival program.

The 27-year-old Queenslander said she was excited to be involved with the festival that celebrates all forms of cycling and encourages more people to get on their bikes.

“It was wonderful to spend the morning with a group of more than 30 little cyclists who were excited to be getting out there, having fun on their bike while riding to class on National Ride2School day,” Diehm said.

“This was the perfect opportunity to share with the keen riders all the exciting events coming up as part of the Brisbane Cycling Festival that they’d be sure to enjoy.

“It’ll be an action-packed three weeks of events, and what I love most is that anyone can get involved - whether you're a pro rider, into cycling for fitness, or just starting out on a bike – there is something for everyone.

“With a focus on ‘come and try’ the 2025 BCF will encourage all locals to get on their bikes while offering a range of educational and safety-led bike riding classes, I was thrilled to be able to give the students at Milton State School a little taste of this!”

Diehm is passionate about giving back to the sport and inspiring the next generation of young riders, with the Milton State School students learning about her journey from the skatepark to Olympic podium.

Her BMX Freestyle journey began at just eight years old, stopping at a local skatepark on the way home from school. What started as a fun pastime quickly became a passion, driving her to compete at the highest level.

“Freestyle BMX means the freedom to express myself in a fun and creative way, there are no rules on how to ride your bike or to do specific tricks, it’s simply what you make of it,” Diehm said.

“It means being a part of a supportive community who have a shared passion, help each other along the way and get to share experiences and memories that last a lifetime.

“The festival is just growing bigger and better every year,” Diehm added. “It’s awesome to see cycling getting more visibility and giving people more chances to jump on a bike, try something new, and just have fun with it.”

The 2025 Brisbane Cycling Festival offers an extensive program, including the ProVelo Super League, Oceania BMX Freestyle Championships, AusCycling Track National Championships, AusCycling Esports National Championships, Tour de Brisbane, plus even more chances to jump on a bike with the introduction of the Sleeman Open Day with come and try sessions across multiple disciplines. 

The Optus Active Lifestyle Expo is also moving to a brand-new home at South Bank Parklands on 12-13 April, setting the stage for an action-packed final weekend alongside the Tour de Brisbane. 

This year’s Tour brings a new iconic start at Queens Wharf, a picturesque finish across Victoria Bridge– all while keeping the legendary features that have made this ride an unmissable bucket-list experience for riders. 

Tour de Brisbane Race Director Mike Crawley believes this year’s course cements Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s year-round cycling capital. 

“Brisbane is becoming a cycling powerhouse. With investment in infrastructure and a passionate local cycling community, the Tour de Brisbane isn’t just an event – it embodies and embraces our sport and pastime in our City.” 

Tourism and Events Queensland’s Ollie Philpot said, “The Tour de Brisbane offers riders the thrilling experience of racing through Queensland’s natural beauty and iconic attractions, particularly with this year’s start line being stationed at the iconic new Queen’s Wharf precinct.

“Events like these are so valuable in showcasing our state as the premier destination for active outdoor living and adventure tourism." 

Once again, the Tour de Brisbane sponsored by Transurban is proud to partner with The Common Good, an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, to support life-changing medical research. 

“The Tour is more than a ride, it’s a chance to give back,” Mr Crawley said. 

“We urge and encourage our riders to support this vital cause – whether by fundraising as part of their entry or donating at www.thecommongood.org.au.” 

There are also more than 100 affiliated events and city-wide activations for the whole family to enjoy including ‘learn to ride’ bike skills courses suitable for all ages. 

AusCycling Chief Executive Officer Marne Fechner said the 2025 Festival will be the biggest and best year yet. 

“The Brisbane Cycling Festival keeps going from strength to strength and it’s fantastic to announce Olympian Natalya Diehm as our 2025 ambassador,” Ms Fechner said. 

“The Festival is only getting bigger and better as we saw in April last year when more than 8000 cyclists took to the streets for the Tour de Brisbane. 

“From a desire to bring people together and showcase riding and cycling, the Festival has well and truly grown into Australia’s biggest celebration of life on a bike.  

“And we're continuing to evolve, with the Optus Active Lifestyle Expo moving to South Bank for 2025. This is an exciting change for final weekend of the Festival and I’m looking forward to joining in on the festivities in the heart of the city alongside the Brisbane River.” 

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane Cycling Festival would showcase the best of Brisbane to the world.

“This incredible event showcases why Brisbane is fast becoming one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, adding to our reputation as the lifestyle capital of Australia,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Our local economy will gain millions in benefits from cycling enthusiasts who will fill our hotels, bars and incredible lifestyle precincts over 24 action-packed days.

“I encourage everyone to embrace this city-wide cycling celebration, giving people more to see and do in the suburbs.”

Images: Mat Gilfedder