World Champs Locked in for Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

Eight time World Champion Cameron Meyer and Olympic silver medallist Sam Welsford have been confirmed on the 36-member Australian cycling team for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games after track, road and mountain bike squads were confirmed today.

Meyer returns to Commonwealth competition for the first time since Delhi 2010, where he came away with three gold medals in a stunning debut. On the Gold Coast, Meyer will be part of both the track and road cycling teams in a busy campaign for the 30 year-old.

He will combine with fellow rainbow jersey holder Sam Welsford who is making his bow at Commonwealth level after excelling at Olympic and World Title level over the past two years.

The pair are expected to feature prominently in Australia’s highly regarded team pursuit squad, whilst Meyer is also reigning world champion in the men’s points race which is part of the event schedule at the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane.

Australian Team Chef de Mission Steve Moneghetti said the team was well prepared for another successful campaign after starring at Commonwealth level four years ago.

“We enjoyed strong success at Glasgow2014from the Cycling team, so with the depth and experience we have in this teamwe look forward to more success at Gold Coast 2018,”hesaid.

“The cycling program is an incredibly exciting one for fans, with competition at the new Anna Meares Velodrome, road cycling events that are free and open to all spectators and mountain biking at the Nerang trails.

“With many of these athletes spending a lot of time abroad, Gold Coast 2018 provides a unique chance for these athletes to compete in front of a home crowd,” Moneghetti said.

Australia’s total Commonwealth Games team now sits at 220 athletes, with Western Australia having contributed 11 of those already officially selected.