Cools, who has been coaching the New Zealand BMX cycling team for the past five years, led one of his athlete’s to a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the women’s race, and has coached NZ athletes to five UCI World titles since 2008.
As Head BMX Coach he will be responsible for the development of an overall plan for the delivery of the Canadian BMX program, including the identification of the 2016 and 2020 cohorts of riders that will be developed and for the development of a strategy for coach development. He will oversee Canada’s participation in Junior and Elite World Championships and major international events including the World Cups one of which will be hosted in Abbotsford in 2013.
“Ken Cools brings a wealth of expertise in BMX cycling, having previously worked with elite athletes at the international level. We strongly believe that, in collaboration with the great development work done by Adam Muys at the national level, Canada will grow and become a top nation in BMX as we now move forward to Rio 2016,” said Jacques Landry. “We warmly welcome Ken within the Canadian Cycling community as we strive to become a leading cycling nation by 2020 and beyond.”
“This opportunity aligns with my current experience as a high performance and development BMX Coach. Since I began my coaching career as an international coach in 2001, I have worked with and continue to develop both World and Olympic Champions, including five UCI Elite World Champions and one Olympic medalist,” said Ken Cools, who will begin his duties as Head Coach as of November 12, 2012. “This opportunity appeals to me, as it will allow me to develop a high performance culture and team. I wish to continue to develop and cherish the Canadian vision for existing and upcoming athletes, some of whom I have had the opportunity to train in the past.”
Cools will work with the current Canadian BMX team members in place, including 2012 Olympian Tory Nyhaug, as well as with up-and-coming BMX riders.
This newly created position is supported by Own the Podium for the quadrennial leading up to Rio 2016 and, subject to results achieved, beyond those Games. The BMX coach role through to the London 2012 Olympic Games has been covered by Adam Muys through the support and collaboration of Cycling BC where he leads their BMX program. Adam has determined that his expertise at this time is in working with development riders and carrying out his Cycling BC responsibilities. He, along with other provincial BMX coaches, will work closely with Ken Cools to improve the BMX system in Canada, building and training new champions.