Track Cycling

Explosive power, razor sharp-tactics and thrilling finishes – the Commonwealth Games Track Cycling event returns to the iconic Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. 

Cyclists and Para cyclists alike will reach eye-watering speeds in an energetic display of timing, technique and highly refined precision.  

From the raw power needed for the Sprint, Time Trial and Keirin, to the endurance required for the Pursuit events, Scratch Race and Points Race; riders will be pushed to their limits in their push for the podium. 

Spectators will enjoy an immense showcase of teamwork in the Team Sprints and Team Pursuit events which challenge riders' technical prowess, mental strength and sheer athleticism. 

And all this on bikes with no brakes! 

Here’s how it works: 

Races vary — fastest time for time trials; first across line for mass start events (scratch); in pursuit, two riders start on opposite sides and try to catch or record fastest time; while team events require coordinated work. The points race, as perhaps you might expect, is won by the cyclist who attains the highest number of points during 40km (men) and 25km (women). 

Para Track Cycling 

Para Track Cycling is fully integrated into the Track Cycling event at the Glasgow 2026 Games. 

In Para Cycling there are eight classified impairment types which determine how athletes are grouped for competition. They are: 

  • Impaired muscle power 
  • Impaired Passive Range of Movement
  • Limb Deficiency  
  • Leg Length Difference
  • Hypertonia
  • Ataxia
  • Athetosis
  • Vision Impairment 

Para Track cyclists are split into categories C (Cycle: conventional bike with adaptations if necessary), and B (Tandem: for visually impaired athletes with sighted pilot). They are then given a sport class: C (1-5), T (1-2) - with a lower number indicating a higher level of impairment. 

More information on Para Cycling classification can be found here. 

Did you know? 

  • Track Cycling debuted at the second edition of the Games in 1934 and has been included at every Games since. Para Track Cycling debut at Glasgow 2014. 
  • Australia tops the all-time medal table across Cycling disciplines at the Commonwealth Games, with 251 honours, 121 golds.
  • Scotland tops the all-time medal table across Para Cycling disciplines at the Commonwealth Games, with five gold medals among 10 honours.
  • Velodromes are kept hot and humid, often around 28°C, because warm, less dense air reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing cyclists to achieve faster speeds – so bring your fans!