Maddie Leech is targeting Commonwealth Games glory after securing bronze in the team pursuit at the 2022 event. The 23-year-old is now leading a refreshed England squad into Glasgow, determined to challenge for gold and build on her teenage success in Birmingham.
From Bronze to Gold Ambitions
Leech fought hard to bring home team pursuit bronze for England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, but she believes her team can go one or two steps better this time. The squad of Laura Kenny, Josie Knight, Leech, and Sophie Lewis edged out a strong Welsh team at the Lee Valley VeloPark in London, despite the Games being primarily held in Birmingham.
This summer, they will be in Glasgow and targeting Australia's crown. Leech recalled: “I more remember the fun we had in the hotel and going around London. The racing was good too but I had a good time around it. There were just good vibes in the squad. We just had a good laugh, which I think made it a good environment. I did a bad change, and I think I remember at the time panicking, thinking I can't be the reason I really lose this medal. So I pedalled as hard as I could and got back on. It was just happiness when we crossed the line.”
A Refreshed Squad
Leech was just 19 at the time but is no longer the youngest member of the squad. Josie Knight and Sophie Lewis remain in the team, joined by 22-year-old Grace Lister and 18-year-old Abi Miller, who is making her Team England debut.
Leech said: “I think I learned quite a lot about the crowd and how it can overexcite you in some ways to try not to get too swayed by the noises made in the velodrome and get too excited too quickly. I took it for granted a bit. Whereas now, I think I'm going to enjoy it, but also not take it for granted and really take it in for what it is as a major competition.”
Growth and Gratitude
Since those Games, Leech has become a two-time medallist at the European Track Championships and claimed a shock World Championship title in the Madison alongside the recently-retired Katie Archibald. Despite her success, she remains grateful for her humble beginnings.
She said: “I actually picked up cycling from Huddersfield Star Wheelers, my local club. Having that experience and that welcoming environment really helped to open up the world of cycling. We had no idea as a family - I guess it's hidden beneath all these cycling clubs. It's opened up this world and I'm very grateful for that.”
Team England are Ready to Win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Keep up to date on teamengland.org.
