Road cycling and mountain biking binned from 2026 Commonwealth Games due to cost-cutting measures

Although not as prestigious as the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games gives sport stars from nations such as England, Australia, Canada and others a chance at adding notable victories every four years. Sadly for the road cyclists and mountain bikers from these nations, in 2026 this chance has been taken away. 

At the 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking place between 23 July and 2 August 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland after Victoria, Australia, withdrew from hosting duties last year, both the road cycling and mountain bike programmes have been binned from the usual schedule as a result of 'cost cutting measures' it has been announced.

Past winners of the road race at the Commonwealth Games include notable names such as Geraint Thomas (Wales), Stuart O'Grady (Australia) and Mathew Hayman (Australia) on the men's side, whilst the likes of Lizzie Deignan (England) and Chloe Hosking (Australia) have taken victory on the women's side of things. Back in 2022, the duo of Aaron Gate (New Zealand) and Georgia Baker (Australia) emerged victorious in the road race while Rohan Dennis and Grace Brown gave Australia a dual reason for success against the clock in the individual time trial. 

Thankfully, there will still be some cycling on the calendar in Glasgow in 2026 as track cycling has retained its place on the programme, held at the iconic Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. "With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes," Katie Sadleir, the CEO of the Commonwealth Games, said in a statement. 

"It’s fantastic that track cycling fans and people new to the sport will be able to experience the electrifying roar of the velodrome during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games," added a spokesperson of British Cycling. "Whilst we would love to be able to showcase the full breath of our wonderful sport, we appreciate the unique circumstances under which the hosts and the Commonwealth Games Federation are operating, and the fact that many sports have not been selected."