Waimate teenager rides to glory

NATASHA MARTIN/Timaru Herald

ROAD TO SUCCESS: Talented cyclist Andrew van der Hayden is riding towards a bright future after he won gold and bronze medals at the 2010 Oceania cycling championships in Southland.

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Andrew van der Hayden already lives on Champion Rd, but it is his cycling exploits which have him on the road to glory.

The 17-year-old could be considered the next big thing for cycling in South Canterbury, after he earned a gold and a bronze medal at the 2010 Oceania cycling championships in Southland.

The Roncalli College pupil won gold in the under-19 men's individual time trial and bronze in the under-19 team pursuit.

Van der Hayden took up cycling five years ago, after his sister and father started cycling. He said it was a relief to win the two medals on the international stage. "It's probably the biggest thing I've achieved. I haven't had a medal at an international event for three years, so it's pretty good."

The Waimate rider said he had targeted the Oceania championships for a good result. "I've been building up to it over the past few months, with the junior Tour of Southland and the road nationals."

He said he was especially pleased with his bronze in the team pursuit. It was the first time the team had raced together and faced tough competition from an Australian Institute of Sport team and a typically strong Southland team. "We were only a couple of seconds off the pace, which was all right since it was our first race together."

Van der Hayden said it had been difficult to juggle school work with training, but Roncalli had been helpful in giving him the time away he needed to compete.

His father Mike said the medals were a great achievement for his son, who showed commitment to both studies and sport. "It was good reward for all the hard work he has put in over this year."

Van der Hayden said he did not want to look too far ahead in his cycling future. He is focusing on the junior world championships in Italy but hopes one day to be able to make his living cycling.

- © Fairfax NZ News