Brisbane to host UCI Track Cycling World Championships in 2030

Brisbane’s position as a world-leading host for major events has today been reaffirmed with the announcement that it has been awarded the rights to host the 2030 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Track Cycling World Championships, comprising the elite, junior, para-cycling and masters events.

The Championships, which will take place in October 2030 at Anna Meares Velodrome, will bring together hundreds of the world’s best track cyclists all vying to win iconic rainbow jerseys, broadcast to a global audience.

Brisbane’s record and international appeal is self-evident when it comes to delivering major sporting events, led by the forthcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, as well as the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships at the Brisbane SX International BMX Centre.

Queensland’s capital city played host to two rounds of the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Cup season earlier this year and welcomed the track cycling world to Anna Meares Velodrome in 2019 for the penultimate round of the 2019–20 UCI Track Cycling World Cup (now known as the UCI Track Nations Cup).

Anna Meares Velodrome also successfully opened its doors to the world for the first time at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner celebrated the awarding of the Championships.

“We are incredibly honoured to host the 2030 UCI Track World Championships,” she said.

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in the Australian cycling community.

“We look forward to showcasing our world-class facilities and passionate fans, and to making this event an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike.

“The Championships are a perfect lead into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We thank the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council for their support in securing these Championships.”

More than 20,000 spectators and thousands of international visitors are expected at the Championships.

The event is expected to be broadcast in over 100 countries with total viewership of over 100 million and a total media reach of 10 billion.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said it was the first time an Australian city would host the UCI Track Cycling World Championships since 2012.

“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and major events like this showcase our city’s world-class sporting facilities, while offering fans a chance to enjoy the best of our beautiful region,” Cr Schrinner said. 

“In 2030, we will welcome the world's best cyclists to Brisbane and provide a must-see event for locals and visiting cycling fans.

“In the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Games events this will be an important test run for our city as we attract thousands of athletes and fans eager to experience the best of Brisbane on and off the cycling track.”

Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy said “Queensland is in the fast lane when it comes to hosting major global sporting events”.

“Just look at what’s to come and the legacy benefits that will remain as we pave the green and gold runway toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.

“Securing the 2030 UCI Track Cycling World Championships shows we’re on the right track to becoming not only Australia’s sporting capital but a powerhouse for international sport.

“These events will pump millions into our local economy, support jobs, and show that Queensland is a real champion when it comes to sport and tourism.”

2030 will be the fourth occasion Australia has hosted Track World Championships for elites and masters, the third hosting of the junior event, and the first time Australia will host the para-cycling event.

It will also mark the 178^th edition of the elite UCI Track Cycling World Championships.

The 2030 UCI Track Cycling World Championships will be proudly supported by Brisbane City Council, through Brisbane Economic Development Agency and the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.

Feature picture: Tim Bardsley-Smith