City of Ballarat and Hepburn Shire Council partner to support bid to host mountain biking for Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games

The City of Ballarat has partnered with Hepburn Shire Council to support a bid to host mountain biking at the Creswick Trails for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The City of Ballarat has been advocating over recent months for additional sports to complement Ballarat’s 2026 Commonwealth Games program of athletics, para-athletics, boxing and T20 cricket.

In June the City of Ballarat launched a bid to include rowing events at Lake Wendouree, followed in July by showcasing the city’s credentials to host marathon events.

The most recent bid is to host mountain biking at the Creswick Trails, located less than 16 kilometres (12 minutes) from Mars Stadium, and offering a world-class 60-kilometre mountain bike trail when construction is complete in 2024.

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Tim Drylie, said this is an exciting opportunity to include mountain biking in the 2026 games and to showcase what will be the world class Creswick Trails.

Drylie noted that the Creswick Trails “will also be supported by the Hammon Park trailhead, which is currently under construction and suitable for race start and finish area. Earthworks are underway on the path network, learn to ride track, playspace and BBQ area.

“The opportunities and benefits the 2026 Commonwealth Games will hold for Regional Victoria are significant and we congratulate the State Government and other partners on choosing to bring the games to the regions.

“Creswick’s proximity to the Ballarat Commonwealth Games regional hub, and especially the Athletics villages makes it an attractive option for any potential mountain biking events.   The State Government have been a key partner in the Creswick Trails and Hammon Park Trailhead projects and have provided significant funding to the planning and construction,” said Cr Drylie.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Daniel Moloney said mountain biking would make a perfect addition to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games and added “Mountain Biking is a thrilling sport for participants and spectators alike and I can think of no better Victorian location than the Creswick Trails. 

“Our vision for Victoria 2026 is that the legacy of these events will inspire generations of young athletes who get to see a variety of sports up close across the region.  

“The Ballarat Athletes Village just down the road provides the perfect support for the Hepburn Shire to successfully host mountain biking.”

The Victorian Government conducted an expressions of interest process for additional sports to be included in the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games in July and August, involving submissions from international sporting federations with support from recognised or affiliated Australian organisations.

An initial 16 sports have been confirmed in the sport program, with up to five additional spots available.

World Rowing, with the support and endorsement of Rowing Australia and Rowing Victoria, has submitted an EOI for the inclusion of Coastal Rowing (Beach Sprints format).

Mayor Moloney said while no announcement on additional sports or the allocation of the marathon had been made yet, Ballarat has put its best foot forward.

“We’ve seen the excitement and interest the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games generated across the nation and around the world this year. I can’t wait for Ballarat and Victoria’s turn,” he said.

“Our city has great experience in hosting national and international level events from the National Road Cycling Championships, AFL, A-League soccer and international and national level basketball. 

“We have been working hard for many months to show that Ballarat is ready and welcoming of any further opportunities to add additional events to the 2026 program.”