News

Track cycling included in 10-sport program for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Road cycling and mountain biking not included from Birmingham 2022 program.

Oct 22, 2024

Track cycling for able-bodied cyclists and para-cyclists has been confirmed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) as part of the 10-sport program for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be held from July 23 to August 2.

Competition will be concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring the event is accessible and appealing to a forecast 500,000 spectators from around the world. Track cycling will be held at Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

Australian Commonwealth Games Team Chef de Mission, Petria Thomas OAM, welcomed the announcement, declaring it a key milestone on the road to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“We knew the Games were headed to Glasgow, and we now know when they’ll be and the sports that will take part – it’s an exciting milestone in our preparations,” Thomas said.

“We are committed to an experience for Australia’s team that exceeds Birmingham, with no stone to be left unturned as we target both performance and memories that last a lifetime.”

Thomas also credited Scotland for stepping up to host the Games.

“Glasgow is a major event city and we’re very confident about their capacity to deliver something amazing in a reimagined way,” Thomas added.

“The Scots have declared their commitment to delivering a Games centred around athletes, and that’s all we can ask of any potential host.”

Confirmation of dates and the sport program by the CGF follows the announcement of Scottish and UK Governments’ support for the bold hosting vision last month.

The Games will be sustainable and cost-effective, highlighting how potential future hosts can capitalise on existing infrastructure and resources to deliver an immersive and world-leading experience for the athletes of the Commonwealth and the thousands of fans that support them.

“I want to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their commitment to hosting the 2026 Games,” Ben Houston, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) President, said.

“To continue to thrive, the movement needed a reset after the Victorian Government made the decision to cancel and Scotland has delivered the perfect blueprint for ongoing success and development.”

“I look forward to sharing the experience with a forecast Australian Team of more than 400 athletes and officials.”

The Commonwealth Games play a pivotal role in Australia’s high-performance pathway, with 46 per cent of Australian athletes making their international debut at the Games and more than half of Commonwealth Games medallists going on to medal at subsequent international competitions.

Australia topped the medal tally at Birmingham 2022 with 180 medals, including 67 gold, 57 silver and 56 bronze, edging out England who claimed a total of 176 medals and 57 gold.

The Australian Cycling Team won 18 of those 180 medals courtesy of 11 gold, three silver and four bronze.

Eight gold medals were won on the track at Lee Valley VeloPark, along with two silver and three bronze.

The Australian Commonwealth Games Team aspires to be the number one nation in terms of gold medals won, overall medals won, medallists and the number of sports winning medals at the Games.

The 2026 Games will be the 23rd edition of the major multi-sport competition, which first began in Hamilton, Canada in 1930.

The Green2Gold2Great investment program will remain aimed at delivering team success at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Additional avenues that provide support to sports not on the Glasgow 2026 sport program are currently being considered by CGA with updates to be provided soon.

To find out more about the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, visit www.glasgow2026.com.

Glasgow 2026 Sport Program

  • Athletics and Para-Athletics
  • Basketball 3x3 and Wheelchair Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Cycling and Para-cycling (Track)
  • Gymnastics (Artistic)
  • Judo
  • Bowls and Para-Bowls
  • Netball
  • Swimming and Para-Swimming
  • Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting

Feature picture: Guy Swarbrick