Victoria 2026 | 1000 days to go

Shepparton will host cycling events, including the road time trial and the BMX racing competition, during Victoria 2026 and Mr Bromley — who has been racing BMX bikes since he was six — is excited.

“It’s a dream come true to have the Commonwealth Games in Shepparton at the track I grew up at,” he said.

“After travelling a lot of the world it’s pretty special to see it at my home track where I’ve spent a lot of time preparing the track and being around the facilities. It’s pretty special.

“BMX is new in the Commonwealth Games and it’s exciting because the athletes get to show their hard work at a world-class level.

“It’s a dream come true to have my heroes come to Shepparton, seeing them race and compete and getting to watch them succeed.”

Australian Chef de Mission Petria Thomas detailed the planning progress which had already been made for Victoria 2026.

“If the Games were a relay, we’d be at the first change with three legs to go,” she said.

“We’ve now visited each of the host cities and intend to formalise our delivery plans for the Australian team across the course of this year.

“The multi-city model presents us with a new challenge and we’re tackling it head-on to ensure the best high-performance environment and overall experience for Australia’s team members.”

Mrs Thomas encouraged the nation to get behind the Games, with the countdown now on in earnest.

“We’re more enthusiastic than ever for Victoria 2026,” she said.

“A home Games always presents a memorable opportunity for Australian athletes to compete in front of family and friends, but the enthusiasm we’ve encountered during our visits across the state highlights how much the locals are looking forward to getting behind the green and gold, too.

“There are 1000 days to go and the countdown to the opening ceremony has begun.

“Our team will be ready and we’re confident the host communities in Victoria and sports fans across Australia are looking forward to cheering us on.”