Archbold back on track . . . for now

The wheels are in motion for Shane Archbold to return to Cycling New Zealand’s track programme but the off-contract road cyclist is not committing to a permanent switch just yet.

The 29-year-old former World Tour rider will line up alongside Aaron Gate in the madison at the Track Cycling World Cup in London this weekend, four years after winning a gold medal in the scratch race at the Commonwealth Games.

Cycling NZ opened the door for both riders to return to the track programme in the leadup to the 2020 Olympic Games, after the demise of their Pro Continental team Aqua Blue Sport in August left them scrambling to secure contracts on the road.

Gate has since been snapped up by Continental team EvoPro Racing, who will kick off their 2019 season at the NZ Cycle Classic in Cambridge, and Stuff understands Archbold is also close to finalising a deal at the third-tier level of the sport. However, by competing at a lower level there is more scope to juggle road and track commitments.

‘‘It’d be the best of both worlds but ideally for me the main goal is to go back to the pro peloton on the road,’’ Archbold said.

‘‘Me and Aaron are in similar boats, we are stuck between a rock and a hard place in terms of what to do. The track has always been a passion of mine and the Olympics is always an attraction but it’s just about getting through London and seeing where we can fit into the programme.’’