Landry decides to get on his bike
Cycling New Zealand chief executive Jacques Landry has resigned after three years in the job.
His resignation comes amid an inquiry into the sport and three months after the suspected suicide of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore, who posted on social media about the pressures of high performance sport before her death.
Cycling NZ board chair Phil Holden said Landry has made a ‘‘major contribution’’ to cycling.
Landry first arrived at the organisation in 2019, after 10 years as the high performance director at Cycling Canada.
His arrival followed the 2018 Heron review that found a ‘‘lack of accountability and sub-optimal leadership’’, ‘‘instances of bullying’’ and a ‘‘dysfunctional’’ culture in cycling. Within the 83-page 2018 review, Heron made 11 recommendations, including several pertaining to athlete welfare.
Landry was brought in to implement its recommendations and to oversee the establishment of the Athletes’ voice committee, and new code of conduct. The implementation of the Heron review is the basis of the independent inquiry currently being undertaken by a panel appointed by Cycling New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand.
The inquiry is set to miss its first major deadline, with panellists unable to meet athletes face-to-face because of Covid restrictions in Waikato, where the NZ Cycling centralised programme is based. A draft of the findings from the inquiry is now due in February 2022.
Landry will continue to make himself available to the inquiry panel after his departure from the organisation, Holden said. He also said that the board had worked closely with Landry on the transition period.
‘‘A search is now under way to find a replacement, and the organisation’s chief operating officer will manage the day-today operations in the meantime.’’
Sport New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle said it was disappointing to learn of Landry’s resignation, but understands the reasons behind it.
‘‘The difficulties and challenges of being separated from family and friends for such a long period of time, due to the pandemic, cannot be underestimated,’’ she said.
‘‘Sport NZ would like to thank Jacques for his contribution and commitment to the sport of cycling over the last three years, and we wish him all the best for his return home and for the future.’’