Sprint coach Rene Wolff has become the latest high-profile Cycling NZ resignation, as the embattled organisation undergoes a review of its high performance culture, after the death of Olivia Podmore in August.
A former German Olympic medallist and Netherlands national coach, Wolff has held the role for three years, after predecessor Anthony Peden departed amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
"Following discussions over recent weeks, Mr Wolff has told us he wishes to finish up in his current position and leave New Zealand," says Cycling NZ chief executive Jacques Landry.
"We have started a search for his replacement and hope to be able to fill the position by the start of the second quarter next year."
His resignation is the latest blow to an organisation already reeling from events in 2021.
The death of Commonwealth Games sprint medallist and former Olympian Podmore was suspected suicide. She had missed selection for the Tokyo Olympics and hours before her death, she posted on Instagram, highlighting the pressures on high performance athletes.
Queen's Counsel Michael Heron, who conducted a similar review into the sport's culture in 2018, and Professor Sarah Leberman are leading the current investigation, along with former Silver Ferns captain Dr Lesley Nicol and Olympic rowing medallist Genevieve Macky.
Their findings are expected early next year, but many of Cycling NZ's top administrators will already be gone by then.
Landry himself resigned last month, planning to return to family in his native Canada by the end of the year.
Days later, high performance director Martin Barras also resigned, after investigation of an 'integrity breach' at the Tokyo Olympics. Barras was implicated in the incorrect replacement of an athlete during competition that contravened international Olympic and cycling rules, as well as NZ Olympic Committe code of conduct.
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