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From left, Angus Taylor MP, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott AC and Leo Gomez during the 2026 Pollie Pedal in Queensland.After eight days and nearly 1,000 kilometres on Queensland roads, Pollie Pedal riders returned to Toowoomba on 30 August, having raised more than $105,000 to support Australian Special Operations veterans and their families.
Among the riders were brothers Leo and Alex Gomez, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former competitive cyclists who were continuing a relationship between Church members and Pollie Pedal that stretches back nearly two decades.
Leo Gomez, president of the Church’s Australia Brisbane North Mission, and Alex Gomez, a member of the Cleveland Australia Stake presidency, have traded competitive racing for Church and community service, but neither has lost his enthusiasm for cycling.
“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 said.
“When others look at Pollie Pedal, they may see high-profile politicians and gruelling kilometres. 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.”
The 2026 Pollie Pedal began and ended in Toowoomba, taking riders through regional Queensland over eight days. Funds raised from the ride support Wandering Warriors, a nonprofit organisation that helps Australian Special Operations veterans transition from military to civilian life through education, career and mentoring programs.
Founded in 1998 by former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott AC and now led by Angus Taylor MP, Pollie Pedal brings together Members of Parliament, veterans, community leaders and other Australians to ride and raise money for charitable causes.
2026 Pollie Pedal Tony Abbott Alex Gomez Angus Taylor
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott AC, Alex Gomez and Angus Taylor MP during the 2026 Pollie Pedal in Queensland.Over more than two decades, Pollie Pedal riders have travelled more than 25,000 kilometres and raised more than $7.4 million for charities across Australia.
Members of the Church have participated in the ride for nearly 20 years, building friendships with other riders along the way.
Speaking at the final dinner of this year’s ride, Mr. Abbott reflected on that relationship.
“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.
For Alex, those relationships are part of what keeps Church members returning to Pollie Pedal.
“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.”
The partnership also reflects the Church’s emphasis on caring for others and strengthening families. Wandering Warriors supports Australian Special Operations veterans and their families as they transition to civilian life, offering education, career and mentoring programs.
By the time Leo, Alex and their fellow riders returned to Toowoomba, they had spent eight days riding through regional Queensland.
For the Gomez brothers, the ride brought together two things that have long been important to them — cycling and service.