World champion cyclists Georgia Baker and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden have become the first Tasmanians selected to compete at this year’s Commonwealth Games.
More than a decade apart in age, the pair will team up on the track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow.
While Wilson-Haffenden will be making her Commonwealth Games debut at the age of 20, it will be a third appearance for 31-year-old Baker who starred four years ago in Birmingham by winning gold medals in the points race, team pursuit and road race.
One of six returning gold medalists from 2022, Baker said she is excited to be back with a team that has strong depth and continuity.
“Every time you pull on the green and gold, it’s really special, and to return with this group of riders is incredibly exciting,” she said.
“Birmingham was an unforgettable experience for me, but this team is focused on building on that success and continuing to raise the standard for Australian track cycling.”
Officially named in the 25-strong Australian cycling team announced on Wednesday, both Tasmanian riders will bring versatility having also carved out successful careers on the road.
Baker, who was named 2022 Tasmanian Athlete of the Year on the back of her three Commonwealth Games titles, brings a wealth of experience having competed in the Olympic Games of 2016, 2020 and 2024.
Also a multiple junior track world champion, the Perth rider has a complete set of senior world championship medals, winning gold in the team pursuit in 2019, two silvers in Madisons (2019 and 2023) and another in the points race (2023) plus a bronze in the 2022 mixed team relay on the road.
With three major wins across a 12-year career on the road, Baker will head to Scotland in fine form following a podium finish in stage six of the Giro d'Italia last week.
Wilson-Haffenden is also hitting top gear after winning this year’s Australian elite individual time trial in which half of the top six were Tasmanians thanks to Baker and Anya Louw.
The Glendevie rider was also part of the Australian team which defended its gold medal in the mixed relay team time trial at last year’s road world championships in Rwanda.
This achievement saw her named as a finalist for the 2025 Tasmanian Athlete of the Year award.
Both riders will have fond memories of Glasgow having medaled there at the 2023 track world championships. Wilson-Haffenden won the junior time trial title in the same year she took home gold and silver medals at the Oceania Junior Road Championships.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from Thursday 23 July, to Sunday 2 August.
Joining Baker and Wilson-Haffenden in the women’s endurance events will be South Australian Sophie Edwards, 26 (who also won gold in the team pursuit in 2022), Alyssa Polites, 23, of Victoria, and Claudia Marcks, 22, of ACT, who will make her Commonwealth Games debut.
Read more from the Australian Cycling Team here