Words: Burgh Cycling
Photography: Mason Hender
Six years is a long time in cyclocross. Races, rivals, even entire seasons can blur into mud and memory. But in Ballarat last weekend, one thing cut through the hail, spray, and noise: the unmistakable sight of Peta Mullens riding away from the field to reclaim the green-and-gold jersey at the 2025 Australian Cyclocross National Championships.
And she didn’t stop there. Just a week later, Mullens was back on the top step in South Australia, storming through to win the Cross Country Marathon (XCM) National Championships in Melrose. Two national titles in seven days. Two very different disciplines. One extraordinary rider.
For Mullens, this isn’t just another tally on the board – it’s the story of resilience, adaptability, and a love of racing that keeps her sharp across every surface.
Hill to Tape: Ballarat’s CX Showdown
Race Conditions & Chaos
Victoria Park in Ballarat threw everything at the Elite Women’s field: biting hail, slick corners, and churned-up mud. The kind of conditions that can unravel a title race before it even begins.
Taking Command
Zoe Davison lit up the early laps, but Mullens, fresh off racing in the US, bided her time. Mid-race she surged to the front, found her rhythm, and steadily put daylight between herself and the rest. From there, the second CX national title of her career, and her first since 2019 – was never in doubt.
From Mud to Mountains: Melrose Delivers Number 15
If Ballarat was chaos, Melrose was attrition. The Outback town played host to the XCM nationals just a week later, with Mullens lining up against a deep women’s field despite carrying the fatigue of her cyclocross exploits.
The result? A commanding win – her third XCM national championship, and her 15th national title across disciplines. Even more impressive: the victory came just months after she’d broken her collarbone. For most riders, that’s a season-ending injury. For Mullens, it was just another plot twist in a story that keeps getting better.
The Making of a Multi-Discipline Champion
Versatility as a Superpower
From road to MTB, from eliminator to marathon, and now again in cyclocross, Mullens has done it all. Her palmarès isn’t just long; it’s remarkably varied. She’s proven that elite cycling isn’t about sticking to one lane – it’s about thriving across many.
The Mental Game
Mullens admitted she felt a dose of “PTSD” returning to cyclocross after a long hiatus. But by embracing the nerves rather than hiding from them, she transformed uncertainty into strength. That mindset carried her through the hail of Ballarat and the rocky trails of Melrose.
Longevity and Love for Racing
In her Liv Cycling profile, Mullens says the secret is passion: mixing disciplines, chasing variety, and keeping racing fun. That joy is written all over her results sheet.
What It Means for Australian Cycling
Momentum in CX
The 2025–26 UCI Cyclocross season is just around the corner, and Ballarat showed that Australia isn’t just dabbling – there’s real depth. Zoe Davison’s challenge, Miranda Griffiths’ consistency, and rising names like Fi Morris and Ruby Taylor point to a future where Mullens has company at the top.
Endurance Inspiration
Her win in Melrose highlights something bigger than results: it shows Australian mountain biking’s strength, and how endurance disciplines are drawing in new energy. Mullens’ triumph was a win for the sport, not just the rider.
A Legacy Still in Motion
Fifteen national titles is an astonishing number. But what’s remarkable is that Mullens’ career still feels open-ended. She isn’t slowing down – she’s doubling down, proving that versatility and grit can keep you competitive across an entire cycling ecosystem.
Two national titles in seven days. A comeback from injury. A résumé that now includes 15 national crowns across road, MTB, and CX. Peta Mullens isn’t just adding wins – she’s rewriting what it means to have a career in Australian cycling.
Ballarat showed her resilience in chaos. Melrose showed her strength in attrition. Together, they tell a story of a rider who thrives not in spite of challenges, but because of them. And if history is any guide, the next chapter will be just as compelling.
