New, temporary and existing cycling venues to be used at Victoria 2026 and Brisbane 2032

Two new MTB parks, a temporary velodrome and BMX Freestyle facility, and upgraded existing tracks will be among the host venues for cycling at the next Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in Australia, according to AusCycling’s submission to a Senate inquiry.

The inquiry into Australia’s preparedness to host the Games is investigating the infrastructure that will be available during Victoria 2026 and Brisbane 2032, and what will be left behind to encourage more people to participate in sports.

AusCycling’s submission noted the importance of sustainability, and that recent Games have moved away from massive investments into new facilities for every sport.

Australia already has a significant number of world-class cycling facilities, and Games organisers plan to use some existing infrastructure with minor upgrades and maintenance.

For example, Shepparton’s existing BMX Supercross Track has been repaired following recent flood damage and will be a host venue in 2026 when BMX Racing makes its Commonwealth Games debut.

Similarly, Brisbane 2032 will make use of the Anna Meares Velodrome and BMX Supercross Track at Sleeman Sports Complex. The former is regularly used for national competition, while the latter was recently announced as a host venue for the 2024 BMX Racing World Cup.

Anna Meares Velodrome, Brisbane

Investments in new cycling infrastructure were also provided in the submission.

Hepburn Shire Council is building a new mountain bike facility at Creswick to host cross-country racing at Victoria 2026, while a new facility will also be built on the Sunshine Coast for XCO at Brisbane 2032.

In both cases, local and state governments are focused on providing the community with recreational, sport and tourism opportunities after the Games. AusCycling has been providing advice to the organising committees about venue requirements.

The submission also outlined two temporary facilities that will host Games events.

A temporary velodrome will be built in Bendigo for track cycling during Victoria 2026, while a temporary BMX Freestyle facility will be built for Brisbane 2032. Organisers decided not to use the National BMX Freestyle Park on the Gold Coast in order to deliver competition closer to other Games venues, providing a greater spectacle and increased exposure for the sport.

AusCycling’s submission also reiterated the Australian Olympic Committee's plea for greater high performance funding ahead of these major events.

“The success of any home Games is judged primarily on the success of the home team. Australians want to see the Australian team deliver strong performances underpinned by humility, integrity, fair play and Aussie grit,” the submission states.

“AusCycling, like many Olympic sports, has seen its high-performance funding significantly eroded over recent Olympic cycles. Available funding has become the dominant factor in how many athletes AusCycling can support in training and development, and how well AusCycling can support those who do get selected for competition.

“Insufficient high-performance funding is a major risk in delivering Australian success at future Games and providing a meaningful legacy as host nation.”

The inquiry is expected to report by September 1.