Commonwealth Games 2026: Track Cyclists Tan and Liau Leave Glasgow Inspired After Mixing It With World’s Best

Liau (left) and Tan made their Games debut in the 10km scratch, 25km points and elimination races in Glasgow. Photo: SpexSG/ Andy Chua

Set for her Commonwealth Games debut, national track cyclist Valencia Tan knew she had her work cut out for her as she entered a field featuring some of the world's top cycling powerhouses.

"I'm looking forward to competing against all the cyclists in Glasgow, especially the riders from Europe, such as Great Britain and the Netherlands, as they are among the best in the world," said the 20-year-old, who took up the sport just five years ago, ahead of her Games debut.

Alongside teammate Elizabeth Liau, 24, Tan embarked on an intensive training and racing programme to prepare for the Games, with the pair competing and training in Hong Kong, Indonesia, the United States and South Korea in the lead-up.

The pair made their debut at the UCI Track World Cup in Hong Kong in April before each winning two medals at May's Indonesia Track Cup II. In July, they also ventured onto the road, gaining valuable criterium racing experience at the Tour of America's Dairyland in Wisconsin, where they competed as guest riders for Team Winston-Salem.

They wrapped up their preparations at the Korea Track Cup in Yangyang, where they combined to win gold in the women's elite Madison event.

Tan (left) and Liau underwent rigorous preparations through overseas training camps and competitions ahead of their Glasgow appearance. Photo: SpexSG/Andy Chua

With both athletes under the spexPotential programme, Tan said, “spexPotential was the main funding source that gave me most of these opportunities to travel overseas for competitions and training camps, which were instrumental in my preparation for the Games.”

“This funding was also extended to access to equipment, nutrition and sports science support, which all contributed towards my preparation,” she said.

The support allowed Tan and Liau to gain valuable exposure on the international circuit, racing against stronger fields and adapting to different conditions ahead of their Games debut.

The step up in class at the Commonwealth Games was significant.

The field featured the likes of 2019 team pursuit world champion Georgia Baker and four-time world champion Anna Morris, with Baker going on to win gold in the women's 10km scratch race and silver in the elimination race while Morris claimed the 25km points race title in Glasgow.

Yet Tan and Liau were far from overawed at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome as they went shoulder to shoulder and matched the pace and intensity of some of the sport's biggest names.

The pair finished in the top 15 during the points race. Photo: SpexSG/ Andy Chua

They opened their campaign on Friday (July 31, Glasgow time), with Liau finishing 15th and Tan 22nd in a 23-rider field in the 10km scratch race. The pair returned to the track the following day in the 25km points race final, where Liau showcased her sprinting ability to finish 11th with 20 points, while Tan placed 15th with two points.

They rounded off their debut with the elimination race on Sunday (Aug 2), where Tan was 16th and Liau 20th.

Liau (left) ahead of the elimination race, starting third on the fence. Photo: SpexSG/ Andy Chua

“The level is very high… I feel like I was eliminated a little earlier than I had expected, so I was a little disappointed with that. But hopefully I can do better in the next Games,” Tan said.

Having switched from sprint to endurance cycling just three years ago, her maiden appearance at the quadrennial Games also prompted reflection from Tan.

“Looking back on the journey, it has been quite fulfilling, especially seeing the amount of growth I’ve had over the past three years. But I also feel like these Games have made me realise how much more of a gap I have to close to get closer to the level of these other riders.”

As she prepares for her Asian Games debut in the Madison and omnium events, she will leave Glasgow with an invaluable reminder of the patience and resilience needed as she continues to build her fledgling career.

“I was quite inspired by Malaysian rider Azizulhasni Awang. It’s his fourth Games, and he just won his first ever gold medal (in the men’s keirin). His story is so inspiring, and it really makes me feel like I should be a lot more patient with myself. The resilience that he has really inspires me because he had open-heart surgery,” said Tan, referring to the remarkable comeback of the 38-year-old “Pocket Rocketman” to competitive racing.

The Singaporean duo will take inspiration from the elite cyclists they met at the Games as they look to continue their growth on the international stage. Photo: SpexSG/ Andy Chua

For Liau, who managed to take in the sights of the Scottish Highlands on two wheels before her campaign, jostling with some of the world’s best cyclists reminded her that she belonged among the pack.

“It feels great to be here. There are a lot of Olympians, world champions and national record holders. To be among them and racing alongside them is quite an honour. Initially, I felt a bit out of place, but I think every one of us deserves to be here.”

“It’s quite surreal to be surrounded by so many high-level athletes and to know that every one of them has put in the same, or even more, dedication into their craft. There’s lots to work on, but we’ll be back better than before,” she added.

The 23rd Commonwealth Games are held in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.