Australian cycling gears up with $500,000 CGA investment
In a significant boost for Australian cycling, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) has earmarked nearly $500,000 as part of its initial allocation of funds under the Green2Gold2Great initiative.
This investment aims to strengthen Australia’s position as the leading nation at the Commonwealth Games, with a focus on gold medals, overall medal count, the number of medallists and the number of sports winning medals.
Green2Gold2Great is a strategic investment initiative by CGA, set to allocate $13 million across 22 sports leading up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The funds are made possible through CGA’s investments, sponsorship revenues and fundraising activities, including the marketing rights fee for the 2026 Games.
Cycling is set to receive a substantial share of this initial allocation, with $86,931 in foundation allocations based on forecasted team size and an additional $400,000 designated for specific performance initiatives. These initiatives are tailored to athletes who show the potential for inspirational performances at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This will leverage research findings to enhance the transfer of track cycling talent to road and mountain biking events, maximise targeted international activities for European-based athletes across track cycling, road cycling and mountain biking, and support athletes in team-based activities, allowing them to prepare for the 2026 Games in proximity to their homes.
Jesse Korf, the Executive General Manager of Performance at AusCycling, emphasised the importance of this investment in providing essential support to athlete development.
“The Commonwealth Games are the pinnacle for many of our athletes, and they are an important step towards greater international achievement for others,” Korf stated.
“Athlete and coach pathway initiatives aimed at the preparation of targeted athletes towards the Commonwealth Games were thrown into uncertainty earlier this year, but the Green2Gold2Great initiative means we can refocus on developing key pathway programs that play an important role in the overall success of the sport.”
Craig Phillips AM, Chief Executive Officer of CGA, reiterated the commitment to Australian athletes and sports in their preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games – despite the uncertainty about where the Games will be staged following Victoria’s controversial withdrawal in July.
“The Games host may be unknown for now, but what’s guaranteed is our commitment to our athletes and sports as they prepare for 2026,” Phillips said.
“We want our team to arrive ready to compete, with CGA funding complementing other performance investment to ensure athletes have the tools for success.”
The Green2Gold2Great initiative will enable the implementation of 37 performance initiatives across 22 sports, all geared toward achieving success at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It underscores the commitment to ensuring that Australian athletes shine on the global stage, with cycling benefiting significantly from this strategic investment.
Photo Credit: Sean Rowe Images
