THE 2026 Commonwealth Games will see just ten sports take place across four venues in Glasgow, a big drop off compared to the 19 we saw in Birmingham four years ago.
And a big absentee is road cycling, with there being no room for the outdoor event. But why?
Road cycling is NOT a sport at the 2026 Commonwealth Games Credit: Splash
We explored why that is the case Credit: AP
What sports are at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Glasgow is welcoming around 3,000 athletes from 74 different countries and territories to compete in the global event.
It’s the fourth time Scotland has played host to the Commonwealth Games, with the sports being spread across Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).
Sign up for the Sport newsletter
Thank you!
As previously mentioned, there will be ten sports at the Games, seven less than when Glasgow last hosted 12 years ago.
All ten events will all be available to stream live on TNT Sports across its TV channels and streaming platform HBO Max.
SADDLE UP
UK city crowned the best for cycling… with bikers revealing biggest bugbear
FREE TO SEE
Millions of Brits gain FREE new sports channel with football, cycling and more
There will be ten sports at the Games- seven less than when Glasgow last hosted 12 years ago Credit: PA
Swimming and Athletics are among the sports included at the Games Credit: Getty
Listed below are the sports in full:
3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball
Artistic Gymnastics
Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field)
Bowls and Para Bowls
Boxing
Judo
Netball
Swimming and Para Swimming
Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling
Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
Why is there no road cycling at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Road cycling refers to racing on paved, public roads rather than inside a tracked stadium or an off-road trail.
It has been a mainstay sport at the Commonwealth Games, having featured in all 21 editions since 1938.
Road cycling had been at every Commonwealth Game since 1938
Track Cycling will still be at the 2026 Games in Glasgow Credit: Alamy
However, it has controversially been axed for this year’s event, with Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling being the only sports involving a bicycle to feature at the Glasgow Games.
The organisers decided to cut all outdoor road events, with any type of road race or time trial not being included for financial reasons.
This is because road events require extensive road closures, a large number of policing and security measures, along with custom staging – all of which require pretty hefty operation costs.
With the inclusion of Track Cycling, the sport does already have representation at the Games, with the outstanding Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome providing an easy location to host without excess spending.
