Kenny’s lapping up life as coach
SIR JASON KENNY admitted he has felt like a “bull in a china shop” as he throws himself into his new job as British Cycling’s men’s sprint coach.
Britain’s most successful Olympian announced his retirement last month, bringing down the curtain on a career in which he claimed seven Olympic titles – the last of them at the Tokyo Games last summer.
The new Nations Cup season starts in Glasgow on April 21. It is followed by a busy summer that includes the Commonwealth Games before the European and World Championships.
Kenny has had little time to settle in but the 34-year-old insisted that suited him just fine.
He said: “It’s been good fun. I’ve just gone diving in. I’m a bit of a bull in a china shop.
“It’s a steep learning curve but I’m working with some good people, starting to find my feet now and really enjoying it.
“We’ve just come back from a training camp in Mallorca. We’ve got Glasgow coming up... it’s hectic at the start of the year but it’s better just to rip the plaster off and get stuck in.”
There is no looking back for Kenny, who still loves to jump on his bike during track sessions but knows now his job has changed.
“Cycling’s addictive, contagious,” he said. “When you see people having a good time on a bike it’s hard not to get stuck in yourself so yeah, I’ve done a little bit.
“Obviously I’m competitive. I’d love to get up and do an effort and see what I can do, but you’ve got to keep your head.
“The lads don’t want me messing around. They want me on point and helping them, so it’s about keeping that mindset and playing a supporting role.”