Rio Olympics 2016: Track cycling star Anna Meares may ride on after Games

AUSTRALIA’S greatest track rider, Anna Meares, may cycle on past the Rio Olympics to the Commonwealth Games — or beyond.

epa03348550 Anna Meares of Australia wins the Women's Sprint final race during the London 2012 Olympic Games Track Cycling competition, London, Britain, 07 August 2012. EPA/IAN LANGSDON

AUSTRALIA’S greatest track rider Anna Meares may cycle on past the Rio Olympics to the Commonwealth Games — or beyond.

The 32-year-old Rio Olympic gold medal hopeful said she has yet to commit to life after cycling and may continue on well past the Rio Olympics — a record fourth for an Australian female cyclist.

“It’s a really hard one,’’ said Meares, who is to feature in a TV, print, digital, and outdoor advertising for new sponsor Optus’s relentless improvement campaign.

Champion Anna Meares has signed on with new sponsor Optus.

“I am thinking about the Commonwealth Games but not sure yet about Toyko Olympics.

“Who knows. I will take a break after Rio and see how I feel.

“But I haven’t decided to retire yet.’’

While Meares, winner of a record 11 world titles on the track, is now based in Adelaide she is a proud Queenslander and says having the games on home turf in 2018 would be “special’’ to her.

“It is very tempting,’’ admitted Meares who learned how to track ride when just 11 on a 400m bitchum track at Mackay.

“To be riding at home, in front of family and friends. Wow.”’

But first Meares is putting her efforts in repeating her gold medal winning feat of the London Olympics in Rio.

With the makeup of the team still to be confirmed, Meares could ride as many as three events at the Game- the keirin, the sprint and the team sprint.

Anna Meares (centre) racing the keirin at the Australian championships.

And in an encouraging sign for Australian team success at Rio, Meares says she believes she has plenty of improvement in her after winning a keirin silver at the recent world championships.

“I’m very happy with where I am right now,’’ she said.

“I’m excited because I know the scope of what I can still do between now and then (Rio).’’

Last week Meares took to Facebook to staunchly defend the Cycling Australian track program and its coaches, including the man who has guided her to numerous world titles and Olympic medals, Gary West.

Olympians Sally Pearson and Anna Meares - two stars of the London Olympics for Australia.

The London Olympic gold medallist has urged fellow cyclists vying for Rio Olympic selection to do so “with respect, class and style.’

Lots of people were asking me questions about selection issues,’’ Meares explained.

“I just wanted to remind people there are many sides things.’’

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