New intake for Cycling New Zealand SIT Southern Performance Hub Programme

Road, Track & Cyclocross

3 June 2021

Cycling New Zealand today announced a new intake for the SIT Southern Performance Hub which is part of the National Performance Hub programme.

Cycling New Zealand established a structured athlete development programme in 2016, with the overarching aim of systematically increasing the quality and quantity of athletes across all cycling codes feeding into the Cycling New Zealand High Performance Elite Programme.

The regional performance hubs have cyclists from both road and track disciplines selected and these riders will work on racing tactics, developing technical skills and spend time on strength and condition plus have support in a number of other areas to give them an insight into the various aspects of their cycling development.

Head coach Sid Cumming is the local coach for the programme and has seen an increased interest in the Hub over the last three years and attributes it to the strong results being delivered by the programme.

“The Hub programme is all about nurturing and developing local talent. Over the last few years hub athletes consistently podiumed at the Vantage Elite & U19 Track Nationals, and junior road and track events throughout the country. Former Southern Hub rider Corbin Strong and member of the Vantage elite men’s endurance squad, went on to win the Points race at the 2020 Track World Championships. He is an inspiration to all young cyclists showing what can be achieved through hard work, skill and determination supported with a great system.

“We have the support of the local Southland community with local companies and organisations SIT, H&J Smith, the Gardner Family and Community Trust of Southland. Having these organisations in our corner, means we can build momentum and create great coaching opportunities to fully develop more young riders to flow into the elite space.” says Sid Cumming.

"This year we also have para-cyclist Connor Douglas. It’s great that we are seeing more para athletes cycling and we look forward to having more in the Hub programme”

The New Zealand National Performance Hub programme delivers an opportunity for emerging young talent to perform with consistent training and professional resources. As well as providing training facilities and programmes for athletes, the Hubs assist with the development of key regional coaches and provide a pathway for coaches as part of high-performance succession planning.

There are four regional road and track cycling performance hubs and one national performance hub for BMX based in Cambridge.

The 2021 SIT Southern Performance Hub squad is:

George McDonald Manson

Sebastian Lipp

Emily Paterson

Nicole Marshall

Jess Spencer

Rhylee Akeroyd

Jesse Rylan Willis

Connor Douglas

Pearl Harris-Blain

Haydn Jack