SYDNEY, Sept 18, 2008 (AFP) – Australia’s head track cycling coach Martin
Barras will be offered a new position with the Australian Sports Institute and
Cycling Australia high performance programme, Cycling Australia said Thursday.

CA said full details would be announced next month after an agreement is
reached but said it was hoped that Barras would continue to play a major role
in the sport in Australia.

Canadian-born Barras, 46, has spent seven years in the role of as the
AIS/Cycling Australia head track cycling and sprint coach.

“Martin has made a significant contribution to the programme and has been
at the helm through a period of unprecedented success for Australia on the
track,” CA’s national performance director Shayne Bannan said in a statement.

“During the time he has worked in his current role Australia has achieved a
record medal haul at world championships, Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

“We look forward to Martin working across some other areas of the sport
that we believe will benefit from the expertise, enthusiasm and commitment he
delivers as a coach.”

Barras said he was looking forward to a new challenge in the sport but
admitted leaving the day-to-day coaching relationships he has with the sprint
cycling group would be difficult.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity I have had to coach the national track
team for the past seven years and I relish the time I’ve spent with the team,”
Barras said.

“I’ve let the riders know of the change and I’m sure they’ll continue to
improve and succeed in the sport.”