‘Coach was not respected’

Press, 15 October 1982, Page 36

‘Coach was not respected’

PA Palmerston North

The New Zealand cycling team track coach, Chick Ratten. did not have the confidence or respect of the riders at the Commonwealth Games, said the Palmerston North rider, Anthony Cuff, the only member of the 12man cycling team who did not wjn a medal at Brisbane.

“As coach, Ratten left a lot to be desired.” Cuff said yesterday. “Although he did his best, a coach has to have the ability to get the bike riders going and train their minds. Ratten couldn't do that." Cuff's Games teammate, the sprint silver medallist. Michael Mcßedmond, agrees that Mr Ratten was not the man for boosting confidence.

But Mcßedmond. who was under the care of the road coach, Ron Cheatley. for much of the time at Brisbane, said he had no problems with the Wellington man.

Mcßedmond, however, believes that personal conflict within the New Zealand pursuit team hampered Mr Ratten. Cuffs coach, Mr Max Vertongen, endorses the views of the two Palmerston North cyclists. Mr Vertongen. himself a former national team coach, agrees that Mr Ratten is not a good motivator. “While you’ve got to remember that all coaches have different ideas on coaching techniques, you’ve got to still be able to get that respect and full confidence.”

he said yesterday. "If riders suspect a flaw it can be detrimental to performance." While Mr Ratten achieved commendable results from his cyclists (doubling the cycling medal take achieved at Edmonton), Mr Vertongen believes advanced equipment, superior riding technique and the world-class Chandler velodrome helped performances. Like Cuff, he feels that if Mr Ratten decides not to stand for another term. New Zealand will need to look to someone with experience both on and off the bike.

“A former cyclist,” says Mr Vertongen, “would be a step in the right direction.” He suggested four candidates fur Batten’s job — Dick

Johnstone (Auckland). Wayne Thorpe (Christchurch), Cheatley (Wanganui) and former cyclist Neil Lyster (Wellington). But Mr Ratten is not contemplating stepping down. Although he is not sure what the future holds, he will keep an eye on what jobs come up. he said yesterday. “Although the position isn't a permanent one,” he said, “and I don’t know how much longer I can afford to be doing it, I haven't decided to give it all away yet. Asked what he thought of the criticism that had come his way. he replied: “I really don’t have any real comment to make. My job was to win medals and we got them. That is my job over.” How we did it is my business.