Statement regarding cancellation of 2026 Commonwealth Games

AusCycling is disappointed by today’s announcement that the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria have been cancelled.

Victoria 2026 offered an opportunity to inspire and unite Australia in a way that only a home Games can: bringing together a nation through sporting excellence and a shared celebration, and showcasing the best of Australia to the world across a wide range of sports.

This event was especially important to the sport of BMX Racing, which was to make its Games debut; and to para-cycling, whose integration into the Commonwealth Games program alongside able-bodied competition is not seen in other events at this level.

Today’s decision puts in doubt crucial pathway opportunities for young and developing athletes, for whom a home Commonwealth Games would have been a key milestone and a career highlight.

It also means the loss of significant opportunities for developing Australian coaches, officials, volunteers and staff. Particularly, our thoughts are with the staff of the Organising Committee and everyone involved in the planning of the Games, for whom today’s news will be especially difficult.

AusCycling welcomes the Victorian Government’s commitment to improving regional sporting facilities and its promise that planned upgrades will still proceed, including a new mountain bike facility at Creswick.

Marne Fechner, Chief Executive Officer of AusCycling, said: “Today’s announcement that Victoria will not host the 2026 Commonwealth Games is an extremely disappointing outcome for our athletes, coaches, sport and for those who have been working tirelessly to deliver the Games.

“We acknowledge the difficult economic environment. However, the decision to withdraw, rather than adapt the delivery model, represents a missed opportunity to showcase our amazing athletes and inspire the next generation of cyclists and riders across Victoria and Australia.

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to funding regional housing and to investing further in sporting communities and events in regional Victoria.”