Cameron has agreed to take on the full-time position until 2021, succeeding Cycling New Zealand sports scientist Craig Palmer, who has temporarily filled it for the past 18 months.

The former track cyclist has been responsible for establishing a high performance programme for PNZ since 2009, acting as head coach for their successful international campaigns at Paralympic Games and World Championships.

During that time, Para-cyclists have won three Paralympic medals, including one gold, as well as 25 World Championship medals, while also breaking three world records.

The Cambridge-based coach said the opportunity to join the burgeoning Cycling New Zealand high performance organisation, which has won World Championship titles in team sprint and team pursuit over the last 15 months, was important for his personal and professional development in a sport that has been part of his life for 30 years.

“It was a very tough decision for me because the Para-cycling programme is something I’ve grown from the ground-up and has been a huge part of both my life,” said Cameron.

“But a key part of that work has been to establish the high performance programme to provide pathways for Para-cyclists, bring expertise into the system and to ensure a succession plan.

“There is never a perfect time for these things, but this opportunity to take up this new challenge was too good to pass.”

Cameron has developed a huge cycling pedigree in the past three decades, competing in the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics in 1996 and 2000 respectively before becoming personal coach to New Zealand's Sarah Ulmer, who went on to win gold in the women's individual pursuit at Athens 2004. 

He is the only cycling coach to have personally coached gold medallists at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Brendon has proven himself as an outstanding coach at world and Olympic level both in Para-cycling and able-bodied cycling,” said Mark Elliott, Cycling New Zealand’s high performance director.

“He brings a strong skill set of analysis, planning and attention to detail to our programme.”

Cameron joins a team that includes sprint coach Anthony Peden, the Halberg Coach of the Year, and men’s endurance coach Tim Carswell, who guided a young outfit to a gold medal in the 4,000 metres team pursuit at the International Cycling Union Track World Championships in February.

It was the first time New Zealand had won team pursuit gold, edging out Great Britain in a thrilling final by half a second.

“This is a significant appointment that we believe will position us to have one of the strongest track coaching teams in the world,” added Elliott.

“This now positions our track programme and our riders in a strong position for Rio but also sets up an incredibly strong track coaching team to be led by Dayle Cheatley through to 2020.”

With the programmes of both PNZ and Cycling New Zealand run out of Cambridge, Cameron will continue to interact with the Para-cycling high performance riders and coaches through to Rio 2016.

“We are thrilled to announce that whist Brendon is stepping down as head performance coach for Para-cycling that he will continue to coach and support the tandem pairing of Emma Foy and Laura Thompson (nee Fairweather) who are targeting the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games,” said Fiona Allan, chief executive of PNZ. 

Malcolm Humm, PNZ high performance director, added: “Brendon has shown unquestionable passion, commitment and dedication.

"I wish to publicly thank Brendon for the amazing contribution that he has made to the development of Para-cycling in New Zealand during his tenure at Paralympics New Zealand.

“Not only has Brendon produced Paralympians and world champions, he has also ensured the long term success of the Para-cycling programme with the numerous Para-athletes that are now part of our development squads and working towards becoming future Paralympians.”


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December 2012: Paralympics New Zealand secure Cameron through to Rio 2016