AusCycling to pitch for more cycling disciplines at Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games

AusCycling has welcomed the opportunity to work with the Victorian Government, regional authorities and local communities to have more disciplines featured in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Victorian Government today announced that the Games would be held between March 17 and 29, 2026, and that sports not included in the original program will have until August 19 this year to make their case for inclusion in the Games.

While road racing is confirmed for the 2026 Games, AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner said other cycling and riding disciplines would add enormous value and entertainment to the event.

“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,” Fechner said.

“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.

Track cycling and mountain biking were included at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Photo: Con Chronis

“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 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.

“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,” Fechner said.

Feature photo: Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Media