The Baton Relay has officially begun in London today

The 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast are just over a year away. 

A sign they are getting closer is the commencement of the baton relay.

It has started in London, with the Queen handing the baton over to cyclist Anna Meares. 

It will take the longest route around the world, going for 288 days with 100 of those in Australia.

Former Queensland Premier and Chairman of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Peter Beattie says the relay is an important build up. 

‘Everybody on the Gold Coast is excited about it,’ Mr. Beattie told Neil Mitchell.  

 ‘We have to now make sure Melbourne and Sydney are excited.’

The start of the relay has coincided with news Durban, South Africa has been stripped of the 2022 games. 

Mr. Beattie says he is ‘disappointed’ Durban didn’t continue with them, but doesn’t expect Melbourne to have a shot. 

‘I think it will end up in London or Liverpool or somewhere else in the UK.’

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