Gut wrenching and infuriating’ – fury as funding stripped from Canadian women’s team pursuit squad ahead of LA Olympics

May 12, 2026

Cycling Canada has withdrawn funding and support for the women’s team pursuit squad ahead of the 2028 LA Olympics, opting not to field a team at the October 2026 UCI Track World Championships in Shanghai. The men’s team pursuit program will continue receiving resources. This performance-based decision redirects funds to individual women’s events like the omnium and madison, as well as broader development.

Squad members expressed outrage, calling the move “gut wrenching and infuriating” due to its sudden impact on their Olympic aspirations. Vancouver cyclist Fiona Majendie highlighted how it leaves the core five riders without qualification chances. Social media amplified frustrations over perceived inequities and budget constraints.

CEO Mathieu Boucher cited post-Paris 2024 results showing no medal potential for LA, based on objective analysis of competitions and training. He emphasized long-term program success and plans for targeted investments in women’s endurance track cycling. Cycling Canada denies it was purely financial, focusing instead on competitiveness. Cycling Weekly