AusCycling looks for staging of more cycling disciplines at Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games

AusCycling has announced that it is looking to work with the Victorian Government, regional authorities and local communities to have more cycling disciplines featured in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

With the Victorian Government having yesterday announced that the Games will be held in March 2026, it also announced that sports not included in the original program will have until 19th August this year to make their case for inclusion in the Games.

While road racing is confirmed for the 2026 Games, AusCycling Chief Executive, Marne Fechner said other cycling and riding disciplines would add enormous value and entertainment to the event, advising “cycling and riding have a long and distinguished history at the Commonwealth Games, with great Australian riders competing in road, track and mountain bike events since 1934.

“We look forward to making the case to include a wide range of cycling events at Victoria 2026, including established and emerging disciplines in track, BMX, mountain bike and para-cycling in all its forms.

“Regional Victoria already attracts thousands of visitors a year to ride amazing roads, tracks and trails. The Commonwealth Games are an ideal opportunity to showcase Victorian riding destinations to a new domestic and international audience.”

Fechner (pictured) said the emergence of stars such as Jai Hindley in road racing, Rebecca McConnell in cross-country mountain bike and Logan Martin in BMX freestyle were already inspiring a new generation of athletes who could potentially represent Australia in Victoria in 2026, at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and ultimately a home Olympics in 2032.

She went on to say “we are working hard to establish pathways from cycling and riding clubs to international podiums, and having a runway of world-class competitions is crucial.”

International Federations wanting to express an interest in participating in Victoria 2026 should email Victoria2026Sports@sport.vic.gov.au