Coffee and Cycling, Naturally Together 

Cycling and coffee have always gone hand in hand. From early morning training rides to weekend group rides and race days, coffee is part of the rhythm that brings riders together. It’s often the meeting point before the ride and the place where riders reconnect afterwards, with a good cup of coffee at the centre of it all.

That shared culture is why Merlo Coffee is proud to be the Official Coffee Partner of the 2026 Brisbane Cycling Festival, working alongside AusCycling to help fuel riders, volunteers and supporters across the festival calendar. 

For many riders, coffee is simply part of cycling. It’s the start of the morning, the stop along the way and the moment to gather after the finish. Through this partnership, Merlo is proud to support the cycling community and be part of the everyday moments that make riding special. 

A Long Connection with Cycling 

Over the years, Merlo has supported cycling communities across Queensland through major rides such as Brisbane to Gold Coast, Tour de Brisbane and the Building Bikes Fundraiser, as well as local club rides and charity events. Weekend group rides finishing at a Merlo café have become a familiar tradition for many riders. 

Our partnership with Brisbane Cycling is a natural extension of this long-standing connection, bringing Merlo coffee to one of Brisbane’s biggest celebrations of cycling. 

Fuel Your Ride 

Coffee plays a special role in cycling culture. It’s a great way to fuel your ride, bringing riders together before the first kilometre and again afterwards while stories are shared and plans are made for the next outing. For many cyclists, the coffee stop is part of the ride itself. 

At Merlo, coffee has always been about bringing people together. Built on strong family roots and a passion for quality, Merlo has grown alongside the communities we serve. Cycling reflects that same spirit, where shared experiences create lasting connections. 

Through our partnership with Brisbane Cycling, we’re proud to support Brisbane’s cycling community with quality coffee before and after the ride, helping keep riders fuelled and connected throughout the festival. 

Key Dates 

Throughout the 2026 Brisbane Cycling Festival, the Merlo team will be serving fresh coffee at selected events across Brisbane. Whether you are competing, supporting or simply enjoying the atmosphere, Merlo will be there to keep everyone fuelled and moving. 

You’ll find the Merlo van at several key Brisbane Cycling Festival events: 

• Oceania MTB Cross Country Championships 
  • Date: March 7-8
  • Location: Bayview Conservation Park 
  • Time: Serving from 7:30am each day 
• Freestyle BMX Championships 
  • Date: March 22 
  • Location: The Village Indoor Skatepark, Coopers Plains 
  • Time: Serving from 9am to 12pm 
• Active Lifestyle Expo 
  • Date: April 11-12 
  • Location: City Botanic Gardens 
  • Time: TBC

The Active Lifestyle Expo will be a highlight of the festival, bringing together riders, families and cycling enthusiasts in the heart of Brisbane. It will be a great opportunity to experience Merlo coffee while connecting with the wider cycling community. 

We look forward to supporting riders, volunteers and supporters throughout the festival and being part of the moments that make cycling special. Whether it’s a coffee before the ride begins or one shared afterwards, Merlo is proud to be part of Brisbane’s cycling community throughout the Brisbane Cycling Festival. 

Because great rides deserve great coffee. 🚴☕