Cycling: Coach leaving BikeNZ

The fate of besieged Olympic track cycling coach Kurt Innes will be known later this week, while it was confirmed yesterday that high performance coach Warren Lister is leaving BikeNZ.

BikeNZ chief executive Rodger Thompson said Innes would decide on his future by the end of this week - just days after the Canadian was severely criticised by two members of the Olympic men's pursuit team.

"Kurt is involved in the de-brief process and I'm currently in discussion whether he's going to apply for a permanent position. We should know by the end of the week," Thompson said.

Innes, whose contract expires next month, was lambasted by pursuit team member Hayden Godfrey earlier this week. The team finished 10th and last in qualifying in Athens.

Thompson also confirmed that Lister would leave when his contract expired next month.

Chairman becomes manager Waikato Football Club has appointed chairman Keith Ward as its first-season general manager.

Ward, a co-owner in the New Zealand Breakers basketball franchise, was confirmed as Waikato FC general manager 33 days before the team's New Zealand championship season-opener.