London dropped into the host race after the Birmingham 2022 role

London’s role in next summer’s Commonwealth Games could act as a springboard to becoming hosts in the future.

Lee Valley VeloPark is set to host the likes of Jason and Laura Kenny for Birmingham 2022 – the only venue outside the Midlands.

And as the Commonwealth Games look for hosts for the next two editions in 2026 and 2030, bosses said they welcomed London’s entry into the running as a possibility.

Katie Sadleir, newly appointed CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “London would be a fantastic venue for the Commonwealth Games. We are calling for applications now for 2026 and 2030… and we are open to listening to our members to find out where the next Games might be.”

There is no clear front-runner for the 2026 Games, while Hamilton in Canada has expressed interest in bidding for 2030, 100 years after hosting the inaugural Games.

Of London’s chances of hosting for the first time since 1934, Sadleir said: “You’ve got all the facilities, you’ve certainly got the experience. The London Olympics were right up there as one of the best of the best Games. So experience and expertise in facilities makes sense.”

London ruled itself out as a possible host for next summer’s Games in 2017 after Durban in South Africa was denied the right to host.

Birmingham was then selected instead of Liverpool, with London retaining a partial role for track cycling.

“One of the things that made absolute sense was to capitalize on that fantastic velodrome in London and that’s where our cycling hub will be,” Sadleir added. “I think London will be a centerpiece as well.”

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