Cycling Australia names new High Performance Manager

Cycling Australia has named Tasmanian Institute of Sport Head Coach Kevin Tabotta as its new High Performance Manager, replacing Michael Flynn who left last month to take up a similar position in New Zealand. Tabotta, 36, was Cycling Australia's Coaching Director eight years ago, but has since then concentrated his efforts on nurturing up and coming riders at the Tasmanian Institute of Sport. Just over a week ago, he engineered an impressive display of teamwork among the TIS/Cyclingnews riders in the Launceston classic, which paid off when Matthew Goss outsprinted Stuart O'Grady for a huge win.

"I am very happy about my appointment and I'm looking forward to building on the success of my predecessor who did a great job," said Tabotta. "Cycling has a great pool of talent and winning six gold medals in Athens was a fantastic achievement. Now we need to maintain that momentum and further develop our programs to ensure continued success."

Tabotta will relocate to Adelaide with his wife Leeanne and three year old son Samuel to officially take over the role on the 14th February. Until then he will act in a dual capacity with the TIS and CA. "In some ways it's a bitter sweet decision for me because I am already in a fantastic environment both for work and where we live," said Tabotta. "But this is such a great opportunity and I'm very excited about working with the national program."

"Kevin is the ideal candidate for the role of High Performance Manager and comes into the position with outstanding credentials," said Cycling Australia President, Mike Victor. "It's a testament to the development of our sport not only in terms of athletes but in administration and coaching that the best candidate for the job has come from within our National Program structure."

Cycling Australia has also confirmed the reappointment of Kevin McIntosh as Paralympic Program Coach. McIntosh has taken Australia to the past two Paralympic Games where cyclists achieved outstanding results.