CYCLING SOUTHLAND PRESS RELEASE
Representative cyclist Matt Archibald has this week started in a newly-created Cycling Development role with Cycling Southland.
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Matt took up the sport a short two years ago after being plucked from rowing’s ranks into the Otago Sports Academy’s Accelerator programme. Over his seven years with oars in hand he won numerous medals and represented New Zealand in the University eights.
After just over a year on a bike he flew around the ILT Velodrome to finish third in the Individual Sprint at Oceania Games behind World Junior champion Sam Webster and Dan Ellis (Australia) and followed that up with top six finishes in the three sprint events at the recent National Track Champs riding for Otago.
These days he prefers the Southland skin-suit colours, calling Invercargill home having graduated with a double degree (a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Management and a Bachelor of Physical Education majoring in Exercise Prescription).
When he’s not working hard in the Cycling Southland office he can be found on the track, training alongside national Elite squad member Eddie Dawkins under the watchful eye of Nick Harris, with his eyes on representing Southland at the next Track Nationals in the Team Sprint.
Cycling Southland’s Chief Executive Nick Jeffrey is delighted to bring someone with Matt’s skills into the organisation. “Matt’s experience in personal training, coaching, rehabilitation and his work with the disabled mean that he brings a huge amount of ideas and skill with him. We have identified that we need to find ways to get cycling out in front of all sectors of the community – including schools, community groups and the general public. We can’t sit and wait for them to come to us. Since coming into the sport and this organisation it has struck me what a great activity cycling is. Whether it’s at a competitive or recreational level or for general fitness, health and well-being, it’s the perfect activity for every age group. Matt’s role is about getting that message into every corner of Southland.”
“Plus he’ll look much better in Southland colours than blue and gold.”