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Zach Bell is heading back to the Commonwealth Games, this time as a Canadian leader.

The Yukon cyclist, who grew up in Watson Lake and now resides in Vancouver, last participated in the 2010 Games in Delhi, India, winning a bronze medal for Canada.

He previously competed in the 2006 Games in Australia.

"It's big, especially since I'm going to be going back as a senior member of the team,鈥濃�圔ell told the Star today. "There's a new generation of guys and it's kind of the opposite situation of my first Commonwealth Games.

"That's kind of where I learned what big Games were all about in terms of the national team.鈥�

Yesterday, Cycling Canada announced the 16 cyclists who will compete at the XX鈥圕ommonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 3.

Bell, 31, headlines a mix of established performers and young up-and-comers with the potential to win as many as 10 medals in track, mountain bike and road events.

These Games will also mark the international debut of Canada's new men's team pursuit and sprint programs, which are expected to vie for places in their medal finals and form the foundation for future Olympic and world championship success.

Bell, a two-time Olympian, will be part of the new men's team pursuit program, alongside R茅mi Pelletier-Roy, Nic Hamilton,鈥圗d Veal and Aidan Caves. The team is expected to contend for a medal.

Bell will also race the individual road time trial, where he is expected to have a shot at a podium finish on the technical course, which includes several short climbs that suit his profile.

Formerly the British Empire Games, the Commonwealth Games involves athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, and are known as the third largest multi-sport event in the world.

"These Games are a huge opportunity for us to bring these new track programs to the next level,鈥� said Cycling Canada's high performance director Jacques Landry in a press release.

"We have done a careful performance analysis of our athletes and are confident they will be competitive in Glasgow, and this will help us hit the ground running when we move into the new Pan American Games Velodrome in Milton, Ont. later this year.

"We are travelling to Glasgow with seven Olympic, World Championship and World Cup medallists,鈥� he added. "We have high hopes for these Games, and the future looks bright for Canadian cycling in general.鈥�

The road races and time trial will be held July 31 and August 3, while the track events will be held July 24 to 27.

Cycling has been a Commonwealth sport since the inaugural event in 1930.

"This sport has a huge tradition both at the Commonwealth Games and within the Canadian sports community,鈥� said Chantal Petitclerc, chef de mission for Canada's team. "With the cycling team being one of larger sports at the

Glasgow Games, I am sure we will be treated to many exciting moments on the track, road and trails.鈥�

A team of 265 athletes and nearly 100 coaches and support staff will be in Glasgow next month, Canada's largest team ever fielded for a non-home Games. The full team will be officially announced in July.

"We are proud of those who have been selected for the Commonwealth Games cycling team,鈥� said Bal Gosal, Canada's Minister of State.

Cycling Canada also announced via Twitter that Bell would miss both the Grand Prix Saguenay and Tour de Beauce in Quebec this month as he continues to recover from his collarbone injury.

Bell told the Star that he still doesn't know if he will be able to defend his national road title in Lac-M茅gantic, however.

"Right now, I鈥坔aven't made any calls,鈥� he said, adding there is a possibility he could miss this year's championships, but not because of injury.

"It's related to our upcoming baby,鈥� he said. "The dates aren't overlapping, but it's tight.鈥�

Bell and his wife Rebecca are expecting their second child in late June.

"I plan to be in shape to race nationals for sure, but it kind of comes down to what the timing is with the baby,鈥� he said.

The road championships will take place in Lac-M茅gantic June 26 to 29.