Cycling: Cycling's call answered by familiar pair

Ron Cheatley and Max Vertongen have answered a mayday call to take New Zealand's top track cyclists back under their wing after Cycling New Zealand failed to find a suitable applicant to fill their new coaching role.

Cheatley and Vertongen retired last year, but a four-month search for a replacement proved fruitless.

Vertongen, who was in charge of the track pursuit team, will look after the international cyclists until further notice. He retired after Sydney to devote more energy to his Palmerston North real estate business.

Cheatley, who ended 21 years mentoring the sport's elite after last year's world championships, will lend a hand until the end of March.

CNZ general manager Mark Harris said Vertongen had volunteered to help out.

"We need someone in place to help track athletes prepare and Max volunteered. Ron will also help out," Harris said.

The most pressing assignment is the World Cup meet at Cali, Colombia, in May.

The New Zealand contingent performed with distinction there last year, when Sarah Ulmer won gold in the 3000m individual pursuit, and the men's pursuit team set a New Zealand record time while also winning gold.

Harris said it was frustrating CNZ had been unable to fill the job since the search began during the Olympics.

"We have to reassess it all. We don't know what the future holds," he said.

The new head coach role was to encompass three of the four disciplines under CNZ's care - road, track and mountainbiking - and BMX racing may be incorporated later.

But road coach Gary Bell will retain his role, and the status quo also remains for mountainbiking.

CNZ had offered the job to three people, but each had turned the position down during contract negotiations.

Applicants were considered from Australia and Canada as well as domestically.

- NZPA