Australian appointed BikeNZ high performance director

BikeNZ have lured one of Cycling Australia's leading staff across the Tasman to fill a key position.

Michael Flynn was today confirmed as BikeNZ's high performance director for New Zealand's cycling programme for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and world championship campaigns.

BikeNZ chief executive Rodger Thompson told NZPA the acquisition was a coup given the Australian's experience.

Flynn has spent the past eight years working as high performance manager with Cycling Australia.

He leaves his current position in December and starts his new job next month.

"We were really pleased because first and foremost we were looking at track record of delivery," Thompson said.

"He has been high performance manager for Cycling Australia for eight years and when he first came in they restructured their organisation and now have a world-leading programme which has produced some good results.

"He's now coming to a high performance director's role and this will be the next step for him because he'll be responsible for putting in place not only campaign plans towards the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and the Beijing Olympics, but also putting in place the resources to deliver that plan."

Flynn, who replaced Warren Lister, was appointed to a permanent position.

He will also be responsible for coaching development and recruitment.

Thompson said Flynn had never represented Australia in cycling but has competed in Ironman and triathlon events.

"This is a very exciting opportunity that I've been fortunate to secure and I look forward to being part of the BikeNZ team", Flynn said in a statement.

"(This) has clearly been a successful year for cycling in New Zealand, and it is now my mission to work with the coaches, management personnel and riders to ensure that we build on these results."

- NZPA