QUEENSLAND, Australia — Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined the 2026 Pollie Pedal in Queensland, helping support a fundraising effort that raised more than $105,000 for Australian Special Operations veterans and their families.
The eight-day cycling event began and ended in Toowoomba and covered nearly 1,000 kilometres through regional Queensland. Funds raised through the ride will support Wandering Warriors, a nonprofit organization that helps Special Operations veterans transition from military to civilian life through education, career and mentoring programs.
Among this year’s riders were brothers Leo and Alex Gomez, longtime members of the Church and former competitive cyclists. Leo serves as president of the Australia Brisbane North Mission, while Alex serves in the presidency of the Cleveland Australia Stake.
Their participation continued a relationship between Church members and Pollie Pedal that has lasted nearly two decades.
“For us as cycling participants and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this is where our faith hits the road,” Leo Gomez said.
He described the ride as more than a demanding cycling event, saying participants have opportunities to put principles of faith and service into action.
“When others look at Pollie Pedal, they may see high-profile politicians and gruelling kilometres,” he said. “But when we look at Pollie Pedal, we see an extension of our covenants: to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the afflicted.”
Pollie Pedal was founded in 1998 by former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott AC and is now led by Angus Taylor MP. The annual event brings together Members of Parliament, veterans, community leaders and other Australians to raise funds for charitable causes.
Over more than two decades, participants have cycled more than 25,000 kilometres and raised more than $7.4 million for charities across Australia.
Church members have taken part in the ride for nearly 20 years, developing relationships with other participants through repeated years of cycling and service.
Speaking at the final dinner of the 2026 ride, Abbott recognized that long-running participation.
“We thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its participation and personal relationships developed with its riders over almost 20 years,” he said.
Alex Gomez said those relationships are among the reasons Church members continue returning to the event.
“Hearing those words reminds us why we return to these regional roads year after year,” he said. “The true impact of Pollie Pedal isn’t measured in kilometres, but in the deep, lasting bonds forged through shared trial and service.”
This year’s fundraising supports Wandering Warriors and its work with Australian Special Operations veterans and their families as they adjust to civilian life.
For Leo and Alex Gomez, the 2026 ride brought together two longtime interests — cycling and service — while continuing the Church members’ nearly two-decade connection with Pollie Pedal.
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