NZ concerned about track cycling's Comm Games fate

New Zealand men's track cyclists medalists in Glasgow - Marc Ryan, Sam Webster and Edward Dawkins. Photo / Greg Bowker

The New Zealand Olympic Committee has expressed concern about the absence of a key sport from the proposed schedule for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Durban is in the process of securing the hosting rights for the 2022 Games after the only other city to express interest - Edmonton, Canada - withdrew due to financial pressures on the region.

Representatives from the Durban organising committee will make a final presentation at the Commonwealth Games Federation general assembly in Auckland tomorrow before member nations vote.

But one of New Zealand's highest achieving sports, track cycling, is not on the programme.
NZOC boss Kereyn Smith said as part of its bid, Durban put forward their preferences for the sports programme and what they can accommodate within the budget.

"That's a lot around their local infrastructure, and the fact that I don't think there were any African cyclists on the track in Glasgow, so it's not highly relevant for them but we've communicated our concerns," said Smith.

"Now I think they will engage with the Commonwealth Games Federation around those other sports that many people are keen to see them in the programme," said Smith
New Zealand aren't the only nation likely to fighting for the inclusion of track cycling on the programme, with the likes of Australia, Canada and the Great Britain countries typically strong performers on the track.

Smith expected the consistency of the sports programme to be one of the key issues discussed during this week's general assembly in Auckland.

"There's been sports on and off the programme, which is problematic, and also there's also been some sports that have typically been on and are not looking at such a sure future," she said.

Gymnastics and shooting are also missing from the proposed 2022 schedule.

Smith believes this week's meeting of the Commonwealth Games Federation will be one of the most significant in history.

"The need for change is coming together. It's fair to say [the 2010 Games in] Delhi was a bit of a turning point for the Commonwealth Games to really take a look at its relevance, its appeal, its structure in terms of governance and strategy," said Smith

"A lot of work has taken place over the last 2-3 years, which will culminate here."