With so many prospective DerbyWheel participants coming from Commonwealth countries, the fate of the 2026 Commonwealth Games could be a significant factor in any riders’ decision to quit UCI-sanctioned competition in favour of the keirin startup series.
The Australian state of Victoria was chosen to host the 2026 Games, with events taking place in multiple cities. Track cycling was to be hosted in a temporary velodrome at Bendigo.
But the then-state premier Daniel Andrews announced in July 2023 that Victoria would seek to terminate the contract, citing cost estimates already approaching three times the initial budget.
Saving blushes
With countries including Malaysia and Singapore having considered and rejected suggestions of stepping in, Glasgow seems to be the only city still keen to take up the responsibility – saving the blushes of the organisation which grew out of the British Empire, and has Britain’s King Charles III as its patron.
Glasgow hosted the event as recently as 2014. Neighbouring Edinburgh hosted in 1970 and 1986.
A Glasgow games in 2026 would be funded primarily by the £100 million (US$ 130 million) paid by Victoria in compensation for its withdrawal. A further £30-50 million would come from tickets, broadcasting and sponsorship. The projected maximum budget is less than a third of the 2014 spend.
An announcement has been expected for several months. Recent media speculation has suggested that the Scottish Government is seeking a financial contribution from the new government in London, to cover the security costs of hosting a global event.
‘Travesty’
In a feisty statement a few days ago, Ian Reid of Commonwealth Games Scotland described the opportunity as ‘a no-brainer’. He said: ‘Scotland has been offered £100m+ of the Victorian Government’s money to secure the future of the Commonwealth Games. To potentially turn down such a significant sum at a time of economic uncertainty, is – in our opinion – short-sighted.
‘Should we choose not to step up and host, the future of high-performance sport in Scotland will be under serious threat.
‘The window of opportunity is fast closing. It would be a travesty if instead of grabbing the opportunity of over £100 million inward investment, we chose to let it go.’
Strong current cohort
Glasgow proposes a reduced programme of 10 sports, as yet unnamed, based around four existing venues.
It seems highly likely that track cycling would be included, given the availability of a world-class facility at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome – and a strong current cohort of potential Scottish medallists, including Jack Carlin, Katie Archibald, Neah Evans and Neil Fachie.
The Commonwealth Games provides a rare opportunity for United Kingdom athletes to compete in the colours of their home nations. At the last census, 65.5% of Scottish residents cited Scottish as their only nationality.
Additionally, riders who might not make the cut for Team GB at the Olympics might be selected for Team England, Scotland or Wales; and it could be the highlight of their sporting lives.
Think twice
With a high proportion of prospective DerbyWheel participants coming from the UK, but outside the Team GB structure, the chance to compete at a Commonwealth Games could make them think twice about joining the keirin startup – and receiving a ban from UCI competition.
Conversely, if the Games were not to go ahead, or if track cycling was somehow excluded from the programme, many would decide they no longer have anything to lose.
