BikeNZ appoints national road coach

The New Zealand cycling federation, BikeNZ, has announced that Jacques Landry has been recruited to the long-term position of National Road Coach. Landry, a former rider for Canada, has spent the last 18 months managing BikeNZ's Overseas Training Centre in Limoux, southern France. He will continue to oversee the operation of this training centre, while also coordinating the national road program and support the to-be-recruited national track coach in the endurance component of BikeNZ's national track program.

"I am honoured to be able to contribute in the building of a development system over the next four years that will hoist kiwi high performance cycling to a new international level," said Landry. "Coupled with great financial support and renowned kiwi pride and determination I am sure that we will be looking at an increased number of cycling medals from our athletes in four years time in Beijing."

"Jacques was originally recruited to BikeNZ nine months prior to the 2004 Olympic Games, subsequently set up an overseas training centre (Limoux) and headed up the national men's road program," said BikeNZ's chief executive Rodger Thompson. "When one considers what he achieved in what has been limited time within the New Zealand program, BikeNZ is very pleased to secure his services for long-term through to Beijing 2008. The high performance structure is building for the long-term and this has always been BikeNZ's goal as we look towards the Beijing Olympics. Jacques is a strong asset and will have a major influence on the future success of the program."