Cycling NZ sprint coach rides off after 18 months in the job

Sprint coach, Nick Flyger and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ellesse Andrews.
Photo: Photosport

National sprint cycling coach Nick Flyger is leaving the job after just 18 months in the role.

Flyger, the former Australian Cycling sprint coach, took up the role with Cycling New Zealand and moved to Cambridge a year and a half ago.

However his wife Anna Meares, Australia’s most decorated cyclist, has been appointed Chef de Mission of the Australia team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Flyger said given the young age of their children, they’ll need to return to Australia where they have a greater support networkk.

“We planned to manage both our careers from Cambridge, and had done so with help from the wonderful friends we have made and my mother’s incredible support,” said Flyer.

“While it is heart-wrenching to leave, it has become clear that returning to Australia is the best decision for our young family at this time.

“I’m proud of the work that athletes and staff have achieved together across the sprint team and Cycling New Zealand. We have shown that high performance and well-being can co-exist together.

“I leave knowing that the high performance sprint programme is in a good position for Paris and the seeds have been planted for a strong pathway.”

Cycling New Zealand CEO Simon Peterson said the organisation is “clearly we are disappointed that we are losing Nick’s services, and with just over a year from the Paris Olympics.”

“We accept and fully support their decision…and while we are aware that this has been a tough decision, it was the right one for them to make.

He said Cycling New Zealand was now working through the next steps to find a replacement for Flyger.

-RNZ