Overview
- The Track Cycling World Championships run in Shanghai from 14–18 October 2026 and begin the official point race for Los Angeles 2028 qualification.
- China arrives with momentum after setting several Asian Games continental records and will race on the new Chongming Dao velodrome, though reports conflict on whether the track opened in 2023 or 2024.
- Germany has already taken an early podium with the women's teamsprint bronze and its women’s team pursuit posted the second-fastest qualifying time, keeping medal and Olympic-point hopes high.
- Financial strain is reshaping national programs: Cycling Canada has cut its women's team pursuit, prompting athlete protests and legal action, while British Cycling has created British Cycling Ventures to seek private investment.
- A thinner World Cup calendar and long travel have raised costs and raised the stakes for this event, and Olympic disciplines now pay €8,000 to each individual world champion, a change meant to better align track rewards with road racing.