Track cyclist Rushlee Buchanan wants to bring high performance cyclists and the governing body closer together, as athlete welfare concerns continue to plague the sport.
On Thursday, Buchanan announced her retirement after more than a decade at the highest level, representing New Zealand at three Olympic Games and three Commonwealth Games.
Buchanan has divided her time between competition and helping Cycling New Zealand mend its often fractured relationship with athletes, and hopes to continue down that track as part of the next phase of her career.
"We're moving in the right direction," Buchan tells Newshub. "It's not going to be without its difficulties but that's how things are in life."
Since 2018, the 33-year-old has led the Athlete Voice Committee, which was formed in the wake of the Heron review - an independent investigation that found serious welfare failings from Cycling NZ.
With another review ongoing after cyclist Olivia Podmore's death, Buchanan feels there needs to be a better understanding of both parties.
"Athletes are the reason Cycling NZ exists so it's important to listen to the athlete voice," she says. "But it's also important for athletes to understand where the governance comes from."
She feels poor communication is a core reason for athlete discontent.
"You can feel completely out of the loop and in the dark if you can't find information or you can't understand it," she notes.
With Buchanan's retirement, the Athlete Voice Committee will need a new representative.
But Buchanan is now studying towards a Masters in Sport Management and is eager to continue helping both on and off the track.
"If I can help the next generation, then that'd be awesome."
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