Cycling New Zealand supports the decision by national sprint coach, Nick Flyger who has resigned his position, to put family commitments first.

Flyger, the kiwi-born former Australian Cycling sprint coach, took up the role as national coach for Cycling New Zealand 18 months ago.

His young family and wife Anna Meares, Australia’s most decorated cyclist, relocated to Cambridge where they built a new home.

Meares has accepted the role as Australian Chef de Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics, after a management operations role at last year’s Commonwealth Games.

Flyger said they decided that given the young age of their children, they would need to return to Australia where they have a greater support structure. While disappointed to leave his role, he said that they needed to prioritise the family needs.

“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 his organisation fully supports a family-first approach for staff and rider.

“Clearly we are disappointed that we are losing Nick’s services, and with just over a year from the Paris Olympics,” said Peterson.

“We accept and fully support their decision. We have a family-first approach at Cycling New Zealand and while we are aware that this has been a tough decision, it was the right one for them to make.

“Nick has made a significant impact in the time he has been with us. He has established some excellent systems and we are starting to see the long-term fruits of his labours.”

Peterson said the sprint squad riders and staff have been informed personally by Flyger, with Cycling New Zealand to work through next steps with key parties.