Statement from AusCycling and Simon Jones

AusCycling Performance Director, Simon Jones, has announced the Tokyo 2020 Games will be his last major event leading Australia’s elite cycling team.

Jones, who has been in his current role since 2017, has decided to pursue a new challenge outside of elite cycling.

“I am honoured to have served Australia’s elite cycling program over the past 4.5 years and am enormously proud of the achievements we have made as a Performance Team at AusCycling, both on and off the bike”, Mr. Jones said.

AusCycling CEO, Marne Fechner said “running a high-performance program is one of the toughest gigs in sport and while it will be sad to farewell Simon, we respect his decision to pursue a new opportunity outside elite cycling.

“Simon has driven a targeted and focused approach to performance, implemented a holistic athlete development culture, delivered greater detail in planning, capacity and diversity in the support team and coaching workforce, while also securing new sponsors and partners that have enabled the development of genuine world class equipment and technology.”

“Simon has not only helped guide cycling’s high-performance program through the significant challenge of the COVID19 pandemic but has also played an important role in the reform process that led to the creation of AusCycling.

“The team and coaching staff are motivated and fully prepared to execute on their plans in Tokyo and expect that their performances will pay tribute to Simon’s leadership,” Ms. Fechner said.

Mr Jones said there had been several factors that had resulted in him taking what he described as a very difficult decision.

“Having reflected on what I want the next stage of my career to look like, and whether those objectives would also best serve elite cycling, I know the decision to leave is the right decision.

“The next phase of my career enables me to continue my lifetime passion for the bike, remain in Australia, commute less frequently and enable a timely recruitment process to be undertaken.

“I have loved every minute of my time as AusCycling Performance Director and will deeply miss the riders and staff as well as contributing to the development of such enormous talent in Australian cycling.

“I have spent my entire career working at the cutting edge of professional cycling in a high pressure and highly rewarding environment, but the time is right for a change.”

“I know the Olympic and Paralympic Teams, and the coaching and performance staff have done all the hard work required of them over the past five years. They are ready to perform at their best in Tokyo, ready to give their all and ready to make all Australians proud,” Mr Jones said.

Ms Fechner said, “Simon has timed his decision to maximise AusCycling’s opportunity to attract the best candidates and allow for a seamless recruitment and transition process as we head into the World Championships later this year and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.”