High Performance Sport New Zealand are launching an investigation surrounding the departure of head sprint coach Anthony Peden from Cycling New Zealand.
Former Cycling NZ coach Anthony Peden. Photo: Photosport Ltd
On Wednesday, Peden confirmed he was stepping away from the role, with TVNZ reporting the highly successful coach was at the centre of allegations of bullying and also involved in an inappropriate relationship with an athlete.
In a statement to RNZ, High Performance Sport NZ boss Michael Scott said, given the information they had, the organisation "could and should have" done more in relation to Peden.
"I will be commissioning an investigation so that we get to the bottom of this and learn from our mistakes.
"Integrity and ethics are fundamentals of sport."
When the investigation will start, who will undertake it and what it will entail it is not yet known, but could be revealed on Friday, when Scott is expected to speak in more detail to media.
Cycling NZ chief executive Andrew Matheson was not available for comment about the investigation and it remains unclear whether the organisation were privy to the same information which has caused Scott to express regret from an HPSNZ perspective about their lack of action.
However, given the complexities of employment law, it appears Cycling NZ have only recently received an official complaint regarding Peden they were able to act upon.
During Peden's departure announcement on Wednesday, he said it was the right time to step away after the recent Commonwealth Games success and with the Tokyo Olympic qualifying period approaching.
"I love all the athletes in the sprint programme they have given me everything that I have asked of them.
"I have put plans and processes in place through to Tokyo and I truly believe that these athletes will be successful in 2020.
"This is one of the hardest decision I have made and while I am proud of what we have achieved here, it is the best thing for me to step away. I intend to remain in the sport and believe there are some exciting prospects ahead."
- RNZ
