[1-ON-1] with Cooper Dunlop

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If you’ve spent any time on our site, chances are you’ve already seen Cooper, usually mid-action, and yes, he’s the one throwing the backflip. But there’s more to Cooper Dunlop than just a memorable photo. He’s genuinely a good kid, and someone we’ve loved having as part of the brand while watching his progression over the past few years.

It's safe to say, if it’s got two wheels, he’s probably raced it, and more often than not, won. BMX, MTB, road, track, CX, gravel… and honestly, if wheelie bin racing existed, you’d back him to line up and take that out too. We caught up with Coop just before he jumped on a flight to Europe for a two-and-a-half-month campaign.

 

[Rising Fast: The Journey of Cooper Dunlop]

There’s something unmistakably exciting about watching a young rider on the rise, especially when their trajectory feels anything but ordinary. Western Australia’s own Cooper Dunlop is exactly that: a product of curiosity, commitment, and a relentless drive to get faster.

From backyard laps to national titles, his story is already moving quickly.

 

[Where It All Started]

Like many riders, Cooper’s introduction to cycling wasn’t planned, it just happened. A childhood shaped by bikes, sparked by watching the Olympics with his parents, quickly turned into something more intentional.

 

What started as casually riding around the house led to BMX, and for over a decade, that’s where Cooper built his foundation. The early years weren’t just about participation, they were competitive. National rankings, consistent results, and a growing presence in the Australian scene set the tone early.

Then came the shift.

Inspired by events like Red Bull Rampage, Cooper transitioned into mountain biking, collecting podiums and wins across Western Australia, along with strong performances at National and Oceania level. But even that wasn’t the final destination.

 

[Finding the Next Gear]

Three years ago, a simple decision to “stay fit” led Cooper to Perth's SpeedDome, a two-hour round trip from Cooper's family home where he lives with his parents Michelle and Jared. It was at the velodrome where everything changed.

Track cycling opened a new door. What began as a side pursuit quickly became a serious focus, progressing through a Talent Identification program and naturally extending onto the road. It’s a pathway many riders take, but few adapt to as quickly.

And the results followed.

 

[Learning How to Win]

Every rider remembers their first significant win and Cooper’s came in a Queensland criterium, a race defined as much by instinct as execution. Sitting patiently in the front group, reading the race, and timing the final move to perfection, it was a glimpse of what was to come.

Since then, the wins have stacked up. But one stands above the rest.

His first national title, claimed in the Under-17 match sprint, wasn’t just a victory, it was a statement. A full day of racing, multiple rounds, and the ability to deliver under pressure. It’s the kind of performance that signals something bigger.

 

[A National Champion]

That "something bigger" became a reality at the 2026 National Track Championships in Queensland last month.

Cooper claimed the Keirin National Championship in a race that showcased maturity beyond his years. Tactical awareness, patience, and the confidence to trust his read of the race, waiting for the right moment, committing fully, and executing when it mattered.

The result? A National title, and a moment he won’t forget anytime soon.

 

[Eyes on Europe]

Next stop: Europe.

Racing with Watersley R&D, Cooper is stepping into a new arena, one where the level is higher, the racing is harder, and reputations are built quickly.

The goal is simple: make an impact. Learn, contribute to the team, and take opportunities when they come. It’s a proving ground, and one he’s clearly ready for.

 

[The Long Game]

They say that if your dreams don't scare you, then they aren't big enough. Ask any young rider about their goals and you’ll hear ambition. But with Cooper, it feels grounded.

The dream? The Tour de France. Not just to ride it, but to win Le Maillot Vert. Along the way, there’s a desire to take on the sport’s biggest one-day races, to win Classics, and to carve out a name that lasts.

It's an ambitious goal, and it’s a long road, but he’s already moving in the right direction, and Søciety is so pleased to have a front row seat.