Turning data into performance: Cycling NZ’s science-led path to Glasgow 2026 and beyond
With world cups, world championships and ultimately LA2028 firmly in sight, the programme is centred on one core objective: using better data, better systems and faster feedback to help athletes consistently deliver world class performances.
At the heart of Cycling NZ’s approach is a clear model of performance demand says HPSNZ PTA Sam Bremer, who is based at Cycling NZ.
“For each event and athlete, the team defines what medalling or winning looks like, from the power needed over specific timeframes to aerodynamic efficiency such as coefficient of drag (CdA). From there, the challenge becomes closing the gap between current performance and those targets,” says Sam.
That’s where the evolution of Cycling NZ’s data capability has accelerated. Over recent seasons, the programme has invested heavily in improving how data is captured, stored and turned into insights athletes and coaches can use quickly. New dashboards, refined reporting tools and improved workflows mean fewer barriers between raw information and actionable feedback.
The goal is simple: tighter feedback loops that allow training and racing decisions to be made with greater confidence.
A key enabler of this progress has been Cycling NZ’s ongoing collaboration with the HPSNZ Goldmine Innovation team. Together, the teams have worked on foundational elements such as Cycling NZ’s internal data warehouse, improved data flows and the development of new data logging technology, particularly for track cycling. These upgrades are already reducing capture time while opening the door to more sophisticated post-session analysis and integration with athlete management systems.
“There is always a lot of focus on the monetary budgets spent in high performance sports however in reality the most important and effective budget is that of time,” says HPSNZ Head of Innovation, Simon Briscoe.
“We work with NSOs like Cycling NZ and the time we spend with them tightening the learning loop is most valuable. Cycling NZ’s clarity of vision has been key to the successful partnership with our team and enables us to deliver the tools they need.”
While the Commonwealth Games do not directly contribute to Olympic qualification, it still holds important value within the cycling programme, says HPSNZ’s Cycling NZ-based Performance Science lead and Head Physiologist, Carl Bradford.
“For athletes, a Commonwealth Games medal matters — it’s a major championship moment in its own right. From a performance science perspective, Glasgow provides a rare opportunity to operate inside a multi-day Games environment, allowing riders and staff to rehearse routines, logistics and recovery processes that closely mirror Olympic conditions,” says Carl.
The relative timing and competitive landscape also create space for learning. With less pressure than a world championships or world cup, the Games offer a chance to trial rider combinations, tactical approaches and operational systems in a meaningful but lower-risk setting, lessons that will directly inform preparation for future pinnacle events.
Supporting all of this work is an increasingly integrated performance science structure, with Carl playing a pivotal, if informal, leadership role. He acts as a connector across physiology, data analytics, strength and conditioning, nutrition and coaching.
“My focus is on alignment: helping different specialists work from shared priorities, identifying efficiency gains and ensuring the science effort is targeted at what matters most at any given time,” says Carl.
Whether coordinating race-day data capture, overseeing recovery strategies, or supporting coaches in high-pressure environments, Carl’s role reflects Cycling NZ’s broader approach — collaborative, adaptable and performance-driven.
As the countdown to Glasgow continues, Cycling NZ’s data-focused strategy is laying foundations that reach well beyond 2026, shaping how athletes train, race and ultimately perform on the world’s biggest stages.