2025 was the year Jack Ward proved he’s the real deal.

In Short

Dual-Discipline Dominance: Jack Ward secured both the Elite Men’s XCC National Title and the UCI Oceania Continental Series win on dirt, alongside the inaugural ProVelo Super League GC Title on the road.

Going Global: Following a stellar 2025, Ward has signed a multi-year deal with Lidl-Trek Future Racing, moving his base to Europe for the 2026 season.

2026 Season Opener: Fans can catch the 20-year-old phenom in action at the Giro di Sardegna in February and the iconic Paris-Roubaix Espoirs in April.

If there were any doubts that 20-year-old Jack Ward is the future of Australian cycling, the 2025 season just silenced them.

From the lung-busting climbs of Mt Buller to the tactical sprints of the road circuit, the Yarra Ranges-based athlete hasn't just been participating - he’s been dominating.

As the son of Stuart and Janelle (nee McKeon) and Bob and Gay McKeon of 'Kitcho' Oxley, Jack has a solid band of supporters cheering him on.

He began racing at age six and has very successfully transitioned from a childhood focus on mountain biking (MTB) to becoming a dual-discipline threat on both the dirt and the road.

Ward’s 2025 campaign was defined by a relentless ability to shift gears between disciplines.

In March, he arrived at the GWM Mountain Bike National Championships with a target on his back and lived up to the hype.

In a thrilling battle at Mt Buller, Ward showcased his trademark explosive finish to claim his first Elite Men’s XCC (Short Track) National Title, out-sprinting veteran Scott Bowden.

He followed that up with a gruelling silver medal in the Elite XCO (Cross-Country Olympic) race, finishing just over a minute behind Sam Fox in a brutal seven-lap test.

Earlier in the month, Ward proved his consistency by securing a massive victory in the final round of the UCI Oceania Continental Series at Mt Stromlo, where he went toe-to-toe with New Zealand powerhouse Anton Cooper and came out on top.

While his MTB pedigree was already established, 2025 was the year Ward truly cracked the code on the road. Racing for Team Brennan p/b TP32, Ward claimed the inaugural ProVelo Super League (PSL) GC Title.

The victory was sealed in dramatic fashion during the league's finale in Brisbane. Entering the final stage with a narrow 43-point lead, Ward powered up the Campbells Pocket climb to take a stage win that guaranteed him both the U23 and Overall League titles.

This performance didn't just earn him a trophy; it earned him a ticket to the big leagues.

The Road Ahead: Lidl-Trek and the World Stage

So, where is the Jack heading next? The answer is Europe.

Following his breakout PSL victory, Ward signed a multi-year contract with Lidl-Trek Future Racing, the high-performance development squad for the UCI WorldTour giant.

This move is a serious shift toward a professional road career, though Ward has famously said, "I don't think I'd enjoy doing one thing all the time."

Where to watch him in 2026:

• Europe: Ward will be spending the bulk of his 2026 season in European U23 racing. Keep an eye out for him at the Giro di Sardegna (late February) and the prestigious Paris-Roubaix Espoirs in April.
• National Duty: After a strong showing at the U23 National Road Race (4th) and Time Trial (8th) in January, Ward is poised to be a key figure for Australia in international representative events throughout the year.

Watch Jack's interview HERE