Six gold medallists lead Australia’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games track squad

Australia has named a 25-rider track and para-cycling team for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with a mix of returning gold medallists and emerging talent set to race at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

Six gold medallists from Birmingham 2022 headline the squad, including triple gold medallist Georgia Baker and sprint star Leigh Hoffman, as Australia looks to build on its strong track cycling tradition at the Games.

Baker, who won three gold medals in Birmingham, said representing Australia remains a special honour.

“Every time you pull on the green and gold, it’s really special, and to return with this group of riders is incredibly exciting,” she said.

“Birmingham was an unforgettable experience for me, but this team is focused on building on that success and continuing to raise the standard for Australian track cycling.”

Hoffman, who also struck gold in Birmingham, said he was looking forward to returning to the Commonwealth Games stage.

“It’s always an honour to pull on the green and gold, and to be part of a team with so much depth and talent is really exciting,” Hoffman said.

Among the experienced names is Jessica Gallagher, who will contest her third Commonwealth Games. The decorated para-athlete will partner debutant pilot Jacqui Mengler-Mohr in the women’s tandem events.

“Representing Australia at my third Commonwealth Games is such an honour,” Gallagher said.

“With the experience I’ve gained over several Games, I’m really looking forward to seeing our new talent step onto the track in Glasgow.”

Several riders will make their Commonwealth Games debuts, including para-cyclist Kane Perris, who will race alongside Luke Zaccaria after a successful 2025 World Championships campaign.

“To make my Commonwealth Games debut is a dream come true,” Perris said.

“My Scottish heritage makes this pretty special. I’m expecting many family and friends in the velodrome to cheer me on.”

Rising sprint stars Tayte Ryan and Liliya Tatarinoff also earned selection after impressive performances at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Being selected for my first Commonwealth Games is incredibly special,” Ryan said.

“I’ve worked hard to get to this point, so to now wear the green and gold on a stage like Glasgow is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time.”

Australian Commonwealth Games Association chef de mission Petria Thomas said the squad strikes a strong balance between experience and youth.

“With five gold medallists returning in the track squad, and a dynamic para-cycling team featuring both experienced medallists and debutants, we are well positioned for another outstanding campaign at the velodrome,” she said.

Australia heads to Glasgow as the most successful cycling nation in Commonwealth Games history, having won 251 medals, including 121 gold, across all cycling disciplines.

Track and para-track cycling competition will be held from July 30 to August 2 at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.