This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

WELCOME TO THE BATCH OF 2026. PLEASE CHECK THE GRAPHIC FOR YOUR NAME.

Membership

Batch of 2026

The criteria to join The Cupcake Cartel are simple: be a team player. Results matter, but they don’t define us. Whether you’re a triathlete, cyclist, runner, or any type of endurance athlete. If you’re genuine, supportive and love giving as much as receiving encouragement, you’re our kind of person. We’re a team of athletes from all over the globe, from complete beginners through to World Championship qualifiers.


September 1st - 14th

Batch of 2026 membership applications open. Put your best foot forward and make us laugh for bonus consideration.

September 17th

Batch of 2026 team announcement. Successful members will be emailed with a link to complete registration and order team kit.

September 19th-October 5th

Batch of 2026 team registration and store opens for successful members.

January, 2026

Batch of 2026 team gear and team packs start shipping. We will prioritise athletes racing in January.

A 12-month Cupcake Cartel membership is a one-off payment (AUD $270 | USD $190 | CAN $250 | NZD $290, with slight variation on exchange rates).

For that, you’ll receive your limited edition Batch of 2026 team pack plus access to all the awesome team benefits: social events, discounts, pro Q&As, community support, and plenty more fun baked in.

Team Benefits. Tap To Open

Team Chat

You’ll get access to The Cupcake Cartel’s private chat group, one of the most valuable parts of being on the team. It’s the place to share tips, post memes, connect with other athletes, and organise training or racing together.

Alise and Cal are active in the chat, and you’ll also get exclusive triathlon content plus regular Facebook Live sessions with Alise, Cal, our sponsors, and CUPCKE Apparel pro athletes.

Team Events

You’ll also get access to global team meet-ups and race day support. We go all out at these events — setting up a team tent on course, cheering loud, and organising a pre- or post-race social.

Each year the team votes on which big races to target, and either we or a team captain make sure to be there. A team tent is usually sent along to create a cheer zone and support crew. In 2025, these events included:

  • Tauranga Half Ironman
  • Ironman New Zealand
  • Mooloolaba Triathlon
  • Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga
  • Ironman Australia
  • Ironman Cairns
  • Ironman 70.3 Oregon
  • Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast
  • Ironman 70.3 World Champs
  • Noosa Triathlon

Where we have a reasonable number of team members racing we will coordinate a team meetup and photo.

Team Pack

As part of your membership everyone receives a limited edition team pack. This includes:

  • $50 Team Apparel Credit
  • Batch of 2026 Team Tee ($50)
  • Batch of 2026 Team Hat ($40)
  • Team Cycling Spares Wallet ($25)
  • Team Swim Cap ($15)
  • Team Decal (Priceless)
  • Discounted Limited Edition Team Apparel

All prices in AUD

Team Support

Every week we celebrate our athletes with posts that highlight inspiring performances and give shoutouts to members racing that weekend. It means the whole team can rally behind you, track your race, and cheer you on from start to finish.

On top of that, we run a range of online initiatives designed to build connection and positivity. This support is the secret sauce that makes us the sweetest and most supportive team in triathlon.

Sponsor Discounts

As a team member, you’ll get 10–40% off sponsor products all year round. At the start of the season, we’ll send you a list of discount codes, and we’ll keep you updated as new sponsors and partners come on board. You can check out our current team sponsors here

Apparel Discounts

Enjoy a year-round 20% discount on CUPCKE apparel. We release several collections each year, and as a team member you’ll get early pre-order access before the public. Pick exactly what you want in your size (2XS–7XL) and be the first to rock the latest gear!

Full Size Range

We offer all team members a full size range from 2XS - 7XL so everyone can represent The Cupcake Cartel proudly.

World Championship Qualifier Benefits

Get access to exclusive benefits at the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Each year we create a limited-edition team kit just for our World Championship qualifiers. On top of that, our amazing sponsors often step up with extra product support for qualifiers. These special perks vary each year and are offered at the sponsors’ discretion

I love the fun and camaraderie. The kits are my favorite of every brand I’ve tried. I’ve developed so many friendships and love being part of the group

Ruth R
OK, United States

The best thing about this team is the only expectation is to be good vibes

Tarl S
NY, United states

Its such a supportive community, such great, motivated, full-of-life humans. It is also heartening to know I am not alone in being hyper, joyful, and moving before dawn each day!

Jane S
QLD, Australia

Membership FAQ's

When do membership applications open?

September 1st - 14th 2025. If you’re new and know a team member, have them refer you. There is a special referral form for this that team members are aware of.

When do I find out if I made the team?

September 17th. We will contact the successful applicants via email. There will also be a social media post to advise you to check your email. If you're unsure if you made the team or not please email us boss@cupcakecartel.org.

Do you accept everyone that applies?

No. A big part of maintaining a positive team culture is ensuring we have the right mix of people. It is important for us to choose athletes that fit with our fun and inclusive nature who have a triathlon addiction.

How does membership work?

Membership runs annually from September 2025 - September 2026. This is the only time you can join the team. We do not accept members throughout the year.

How much does it cost?

For a 12month membership the cost is AUD$270 | USD$190 | CAN$250 | NZD$290. You local price may vary slightly due to currency exchange rates.

Why do I have to pay to be part of the team?

The annual fee is what allows us to keep delivering a truly premium experience for our athletes. It covers the dedicated, round-the-clock support from Alise and Cal, who live and breathe this team every single day. From handling admin and logistics to creating opportunities for connection, racing, and growth, this fee enables us to nurture the community that makes the team so special.

It also funds the team pack, as well as key expenses like travel and event support—ensuring our captains can be present at races, representing and supporting you on the ground. In 2025, we sent captains to five events, covering all their travel costs and meals, so they could be there to support the team. Behind the scenes, we’re constantly working to create value for our athletes and sponsors, building partnerships, securing benefits, and making sure you get the most out of being part of the team.

This is our full-time focus—responding to emails, facilitating support, showing up at events, and going the extra mile to make sure every athlete feels connected, cared for, and proud to wear the kit. The membership fee isn’t just an admin charge—it’s an investment in the experience, support, and community that make The Cupcake Cartel what it is.

Where are team members based?

65% of the current team is from the United States and Canada. Australia is the next largest contingent followed by New Zealand. We have a small but very loyal number of Cuppies in Asia and Europe.

We have fixed rate shipping costs to make shipping affordable for everyone and have a North American and Australian returns portal to keep any return shipping costs to a minimum.

Can I join as a "supporter"?

Yes. If you simply want to be part of the team, saddle up the horse* and jump on. Several of our biggest supporters are former athletes who still want to be involved in some capacity. You will still be entitled to full athlete benefits. We offer plenty of supporter apparel each year so you can represent proudly.

Do I have to be fast to be on The Cupcake Cartel?

No. We have athletes of all abilities, some speedier than others, and others who get great bang for their buck by being on the course longer than others.

Im new to triathlon, can I still join?

Yes, you'll get a ton of benefit!

Can I be on multiple teams?

Yes, you absolutely can be on multiple teams! That said, once you experience the support we offer and get your hands on the gear, we have a feeling you might quickly find yourself leaning more towards The Cupcake Cartel.

What do we want from our members?

We want you to love being part of an exciting, innovative team. To feel like you belong to something bigger than yourself in a sport that’s often individual. To wear our kit with pride and represent the Cupcake Cartel both on and off the racecourse.

Look out for your team mates and support them online, cheer them on in person, and lift them up during tough patches. Celebrate their wins as if they were your own. Together, we’re building a genuine team environment and a brand you can be proud of.

So, are you ready to be part of something special?

Know the difference

Choosing the right team isn’t just about discounts or gear. It’s about where you feel supported, connected, and inspired.