The Commonwealth Games have always proven a great reward - and a stepping stone to bigger things - for Irish cyclists but not their selection opportunities will be curtailed.
When the Games are held again in 2026, there will be no options for many riders as many cycling events have been dropped due to cost-cutting measures. Riders from Northern Ireland, and those from the Republic with family links to Northern Ireland, have always been eligible for selection.
The Games will take place in Glasgow again after the city stepped up when planned hosts - Victoria, Australia - withdrew last year. However, though Glasgow has experience hosting the full schedule of sports and events that make up the Commonwealth Games, it will be scaled back programme in 2026.
The road events - both road races and TTs - have been dropped, as have other street-based events such as triathlon and the marathon. The MTB events are also dropped from the 2026 programme, with track the only cycling set to go ahead.
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The Games will unfold between July 23rd and August 2nd, 2026, some 12 years after Glasgow last played host. Rugby sevens, hockey and cricket are also dropped for the next Games, which are scaled back to 10 sports, all taking place in four venues.
The sports that make the cut include: artistic gymnastics, netball, athletics and para-athletics, swimming and para-swimming, boxing, weightlifting and para-powerlifting judo, bowls and para-bowls, 3x3 basketball and wheelchair basketball.
"On behalf of the entire Commonwealth sport movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow," said Katie Sadleir, the CEO of the Commonwealth Games.
"The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.
"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."
