August 24/13 11:22 am - Canada Hires Two New Track Coaches

Posted by Editoress on 08/24/13
 

Cycling Canada has hired two new coaches to spearhead its track cycling programs.

Craig Griffin will take the helm of the proven endurance program, which produced Canada's only cycling medal of the 2012 Olympic Games in the women's Team Pursuit.

Ian Melvin will ensure Canada has a steady stream of new track talent as development coach.

"As we build towards the success of our track program at the 2016 Rio Olympics, I'm really happy to have both Ian and Craig come on board," said Cycling Canada High Performance Director and Head Coach Jacques Landry. "Both of them have extensive track cycling experience that will contribute to our ongoing world-class performances."

Griffin was the USA Cycling endurance coach at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympics before moving over to Carmichael Training Systems and starting to work with para-cycling athletes. He was head coach of the US para-cycling team from 2008 to 2013.

"I am extremely honored and excited at the opportunity to work with Cycling Canada," said Griffin. "Their commitment to provide world-class programming and athlete services is a testament to the strong leadership and vision required to raise the bar yet again to place athletes on top of international podiums. I believe that with this new team of support staff and coaches working in a clearly defined performance path, Cycling Canada is in a position to build upon the results of the last four years. It's great to be a part of a vision, a program and team that is passionate about winning."

Melvin comes to Canada from Australia, where he was based at the Queensland Academy of Sport from 2007 to 2012, first as regional coach, then assistant coach and finally head coach. He has also worked with the Australian road team and British Cycling.

"I am thrilled to be provided with this opportunity to join Cycling Canada as the new Track Development coach," said Melvin. "With the building of the new Mattamy Homes Velodrome in Milton and the clear direction on establishing Canada as a leading track cycling nation, the timing could not be better.  There is already a noticeable groundswell of interest and some talented riders identified in the system."

"We know how fast we need to ride and we know the sort of rider we are looking for. This won't happen overnight but I am confident that with the continued support from Cycling Canada, we will have a very competitive program by the 2020 Olympic Games."

With the new coaches in place, Canada's track cycling program is poised for rapid development - especially once it is based in its new home.

"Coupled with the track program's upcoming move to the new Pan American Games velodrome in Milton, Ontario, in 2014, and the increased commitment of the provincial associations to track cycling, our national coaches are now better equipped than ever to deliver sustainable international performances," said Landry.

Both Griffin and Melvin will be at the Canadian Track Championships presented by Mike's Bike Shop in Dieppe, N.B., to be held on August 27th to September 1st.

Cycling Canada press release

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