Jono Hailstone middle has been appointed as Para-cycling head performance coach of Paralympics New Zealand ©PNZ

Jono Hailstone has been appointed as head performance coach for Paralympics New Zealand’s (PNZ) Para-cycling performance programme ahead of the Rio 2016, it has been announced.

Hailstone has been involved with the programme for five years and has been the organisation’s assistant performance coach since 2013.

He played a large part in the development of London 2012 Paralympic bronze medallist Fiona Southorn and most recently he coached Tim Williams to a world title at the 2014 International Cycling Union (UCI) Para-Cycling Road World Championships.

Hailstone also helped Kate Horan to silver at both the 2014 and 2015 World Championships and he says he cannot wait to get started in the role.

“New Zealand Para-Cycling has gone from strength to strength and I am very excited about driving forward and building on that success,” he said.

“Our focus will continue to extend to development athletes coming through the programme and ensuring its sustainability.

“Our high performance Para-cyclists are amongst the best in the world including Paralympic and world champions and I am passionate about ensuring they continue to perform to their absolute best on the world stage.”

Hailstone is perhaps best known for coaching London 2012 Paralympic bronze medallist Fiona Southorn
Hailstone is perhaps best known for coaching London 2012 Paralympic bronze medallist Fiona Southorn ©Getty Images

Para-cycling is Hailstone’s main sporting passion and he will look to continue the development of the sport in New Zealand.

“Jono’s knowledge of Para-Cycling that he gained from his experiences with the London campaign will be invaluable to our programme as we continue to build to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games,” PNZ high performance director Malcolm Humm added.

“His knowledge and skills will ensure that our athletes and coaching team have the best possible leadership and support.”

The news follows two-time Olympian Brendon Cameron’s appointment as women’s endurance track coach at PNZ, succeeding Cycling New Zealand sports scientist Craig Palmer.



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