Meridian Blue Cycling operate Meridian Bikebug, an Oceania-focused cycling development program registered in Australia. Our 2026 UCI Women’s Continental Team will compete in the third tier of international events in Oceania and Europe. Our team serves as a development pathway, comprising riders in the elite and U23 categories. We also work with Junior (U19) riders to provide team racing opportunities, mentorship and athlete development. We are proud that our 2026 European campaign is a program, promoting NZ talent.
Welcoming Meridian Bikebug
We at Bikebug live and breathe the local cycling scene. Whether it’s helping a weekend warrior
dial in their fit or supplying the latest carbon fiber to a seasoned pro, we’ve always been about
supporting the cycling community.
For those who haven’t seen them dominating the Australian summer, Meridian Bikebug is
an Australian-based UCI Women’s Continental Team with a massive vision. Their goal isn't
only about winning races but creating a sustainable pathway for Women and U23 riders to take
on the world stage.
Why Meridian Blue?
It’s been ten years since Bikebug has been involved in the local racing scene. There have been many
changes since 2016 both within our business and in the Australian road racing calendar. When discussing
our community support options for 2026 it was clear that being involved in a development team to empower
young riders was the best way we could support the road racing scene.
Beyond chasing podiums, Meridian Bikebug is dedicated to bridging the gap between the local junior ranks
and the World Tour. Previous seasons have seen the team focus on national races, but with the support of
Bikebug the vision has expanded. In 2026, through a merger with the New Zealand based Black Magic
Women’s Program, the team will be a recognizable Oceania powerhouse. After racing the Aussie summer,
Meridian Bikebug will relocate to Ghent, Belgium, for a full season of elite European racing.
Meet the Team & Follow the Racing
Watch our Women race the Opening round of 2026 ProVelo Super League in Adelaide as part of the Santos
Down Under Festival. SA Kick it is a 3-stage event with spectators having the chance to enjoy a live DJ,
food trucks, bars and see it all happen live on a big screen.
January 24 - Stage 1: Time Trial, Old Mount Osmond Highway
January 25 - Stage 2: Criterium, Old Victoria Park
January 26 - Stage 3: Road race, Tailem Bend
Find out more about the First Round of racing at the Provelo [here link to blog 2] where we talk tactics and how
each stage will require different strategies as Meridian Bikebug deploy their daily race plans.
Read more about our riders on their team page here and show your support on social media and watch them
at the races while we brace the team for another year of racing in 2026.
Powered by Partners
No Continental team can function without the support of visionary partners who believe in the same mission.
The team’s title partnership with Bikebug speaks volumes about the growth in women’s cycling.
See what equipment the team uses and trusts with every day of training. You’ll see the team showcasing
some of the finest kit and equipment we carry at Bikebug. To perform at the UCI level, every detail matters:
- Helmets & Shoes: The team is trusting Giro for aerodynamics and power transfer.
- Optics: They’ll be cutting through the glare with 100% eyewear
- Apparel: Performance meets style with Pedla kit, designed right in Melbourne.
- Fuel: They’ll be powered by Styrkr Nutrition to ensure they never bonk when the break goes.
To the riders, staff and other sponsors of Meridian Bikebug: Welcome! We cannot wait to see the jersey
in the bunch, the attacks on the climbs and the smiles on the podium. The road ahead is long, but
with this team, the journey promises to be unforgettable.