The mechanics of cycling

The mechanics of cycling

In the world of cycling where winning is often determined by a fraction of a second, it’s not just the riders powering the pedals who bear the intense pressure.

Southland cycle mechanic Chris O’Connor knows how it feels behind the scenes – the weather wasn’t the only thing making him sweat at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi last month.

“There’s a lot of pressure,” he said. “If you’re not on your game, you’re dealing with people careers pretty much so it does get pretty intense.

“If something’s not quite right, it could be half a second and half a second in monetary value can mean losing $10,000 or $20,000, guys might not get signed for a team.”

Tasked with ensuring bikes are in optimum condition to compete on the world stage, mechanics often copped the blame for failure – but it was all part of the territory.

“You can’t take what riders say too seriously … you just have to realise they’re under a bit of pressure themselves,” O’Connor said.

Highly-regarded for his extensive skills, O’Connor was propelled into the elite ranks to accompany the New Zealand team to the World Championships in Copenhagen earlier this year.

“That was kind of like my induction.”

Selection for the Commonwealth Games campaign followed, which involved a two month build-up stint in Europe.

“It was pretty special,” he said. “I thrive on challenges. And I love being around all the gear as well – working on all the flash wheels and the flash bikes is pretty cool.

“I was a racer back in my time and it was always an aspiration to be up there and ride that sort of gear so to be working on it full time and seeing other people succeeding, and know deep down you played a part in their success, is great.

“I’ve got a love for it and I love doing what I do.”

O’Connor, who was raised in Winton, has been spinning spanners for the talented young PowerNet team in this week’s PowerNet Tour of Southland.

“It’s a bit more relaxing than the rigors of a Com Games campaign,” he said.

“The boys are going really well. Tom’s (Scully) firing on all eight I think – maybe on Saturday they will pull it all together and it might be the day that something good could happen.”

While the ultimate aim was to secure a coveted role in a Pro Tour team, O’Connor was focused on continuing his involvement with the New Zealand team for the 2012 London Olympic Games and possibly 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“We’ll just see where it goes.”

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