New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Gordon Allan is looking forward to reacquainting himself with Glasgow’s Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena next months when does something that was never on his radar . . . represent Australia at a Commonwealth Games.

Allan, a two-time Paralympian, was selected for Australia’s 25-strong cycling team during the week. He’ll be joined by fellow NSWIS scholarship holders, Thomas Cornnish a world championship gold medallist, and Danny Barber, who helped Australia seize bronze in the Team event at last year’s world championships in Santiago.

The 28-year-old Allan (photographed below as a youngster with champion Para swimmer Tim Hodge) will make his Commonwealth Games debut in the Men’s C1-3 event, but admitted he’d never contemplated competing at the ‘Friendly Games’ because – until now  – it was never an option for a Para cyclist in his classification.

“Competing in the Commonwealth Games has never been on the cards before [for C1-3 categorised athletes],” he said. “So, it was something I never thought about.

“This is the first time [ C-class Para cyclists] have been handed the opportunity to compete in them so it’s all so very new and exciting. I’m looking forward to it. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity.

“And it’s also a small team with only a select number of athletes going . . . I’m very honoured and proud. It’s great.”

Allan, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, recalled to NSWIS Media in 2024 he became hooked on the thrill and freedom he experienced while riding a bike for the first time as a young schoolboy after one of his mates showed him the shiny, brand-new bicycle he’d received as a gift from his parents.

After pointing out its numerous ‘you beaut’ features, the mate dared Allan to ride down the steep grassy hill in the park situated behind his family home. In the space of a fast, bumpy and exhilarating ride, he became hooked on the sport.

“And [my friend’s] like, ‘I dare you to ride the bike down the hill,” he said.

“And I was like ‘yeah!’ so I jumped on the bike . . . I don’t know why . . . but I did straight up, right? And then I was like, ‘that’s cool, that’s awesome.’ Within a couple of weeks, I had a bike, my parents helped me out . . . got me a bike . . . and from there it started.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medallist has fond memories of the velodrome where cycling will be staged in Glasgow, having won a track world championships bronze there three years ago.

“I know the track, which is a bonus, and I can’t wait to get back over there and race,” he said of Glasgow’s Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena. “To be able to go over there and race and be one of the first C class cyclists there is a thrill.

“ I know what to do. I’ve just got to ‘prep’ myself and go fast.”

Australia boasts a tremendous history in cycling at the Commonwealth Games, leading the all-time Commonwealth Games Cycling medal table across all disciplines with a total of 251 medals, including 121 gold. 

Australia’s Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM OLY said the cycling team strikes the right balance of experience and emerging talent, building on the success of Birmingham 2022. 

“Track and Para Cycling remain two of Australia’s strongest programs at the Commonwealth Games, and these selections reflect that legacy,” Thomas said. 

“With five gold medallists returning in the track squad, and a dynamic Para Cycling team featuring both experienced medallists and debutants, we are well positioned for another outstanding campaign at the velodrome.” 

AUSTRALIAN CYCLING TEAM – GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES 

NameEventAgeStateCommonwealth Games
Blake AgnolettoMen’s Endurance23VICDebut
Gordon AllanMen’s C1-328NSWISDebut
Georgia BakerWomen’s Endurance31TASGold Coast 2018; Birmingham 2022 – three-time gold medallist
Daniel BarberMen’s Sprint23NSWISDebut
Oliver BleddynMen’s Endurance24SADebut
Kristina ClonanWomen’s Sprint28QLDBirmingham 2022 – gold medallist
Thomas CornishMen’s Endurance26NSWISBirmingham 2022 – gold and silver medallist
Sophie EdwardsWomen’s Endurance26SABirmingham 2022 – gold medallist
Ryan ElliottMen’s Sprint22QLDDebut
Jessica GallagherWomen’s Tandem B40VICBirmingham 2022 – two-time gold medallist;
Gold Coast 2018 – two-time silver medallist
Leigh HoffmanMen’s Sprint25SABirmingham 2022 – gold medallist
Conor LeahyMen’s Endurance27WABirmingham 2022 – two-time bronze medallist
Claudia MarcksWomen’s Endurance22ACTDebut
Alessia McCaigWomen’s Sprint22VICBirmingham 2022
Molly McGillWomen’s Sprint24QLDDebut
Jacqui Mengler-MohrPilot – Women’s Tandem B47QLDDebut
James MoriartyMen’s Endurance25QLDBirmingham 2022 – bronze medallist
Tara NeylandWomen’s C4-532VICDebut
Erin NormoyleWomen’s C4-533VICDebut
Kane PerrisMen’s Tandem B28WADebut
Alyssa PolitesWomen’s Endurance23VICBirmingham 2022
Tayte RyanMen’s Sprint20SADebut
Liliya TatarinoffWomen’s Sprint19WADebut
Felicity Wilson-HaffendenWomen’s Endurance20TASDebut
Luke ZaccariaPilot – Men’s Tandem B33WABirmingham 2022 – bronze medallist

Daniel Lane, NSWIS with Commonwealth Games Australia

Tags Danny BarberGordon AllanThomas CornishTimothy Hodge
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