The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) is proud to announce the appointment of Olympic gold medal-winning coach Tim Decker as its new Head Endurance Coach, bringing one of Australia’s most respected high-performance leaders home to Victoria.
Decker is one of the most accomplished endurance cycling coaches in Australian history. Across more than two decades, his athletes have claimed eight World Championship titles, five Commonwealth Games golds, and an Olympic medal trifecta in the men’s team pursuit: bronze in Tokyo 2020, silver in Rio 2016, and gold with a world record in Paris 2024. He also holds the rare distinction of having coached athletes to medals in every endurance event at the World Championships.
Originally from Wimmera, Decker returns to lead the VIS endurance program through to Los Angeles 2028, helping shape the next generation of elite Victorian cyclists on the road to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
“With everything I do, there’s purpose, and for me, coaching is about showing athletes what’s possible if you keep believing and never give in,” said Decker.
“Cycling has given me so much, and now I have the chance to help the next generation chase their dreams.”
Decker’s coaching career has spanned both national and international programs, including senior roles with the Australian Cycling Team and the Chinese national program. Beyond the podium, he has been instrumental in developing Australia’s junior cycling pathways, mentoring riders from grassroots to world-class success.
VIS CEO Nicole Livingstone AO described Decker’s appointment as a defining moment for the sport in Victoria.
“We’re bringing one of the sharpest minds in world cycling back to Victoria to inspire, mentor and deliver results,” Livingstone said.
“His track record speaks for itself, but it’s his ability to connect with athletes that will create a lasting legacy and deliver value to Victoria’s cycling community.”
AusCycling Executive General Manager Performance, Jesse Korf, said Decker’s expertise will help fast-track the state’s next generation of talent.
“Tim is one of Australia’s most decorated and respected coaches, having played a pivotal role in our national team’s Olympic medal successes,” Korf said.
“With an eye on Brisbane 2032, having world-class coaching in our development programs is critical. This appointment reflects that commitment and joint approach between the VIS and AusCycling that will strengthen both our immediate and future medal potential.”
The VIS has a proud history of producing some of Australia’s best cyclists, including Cadel Evans AM, Simon Gerrans, Grace Brown OAM, Lucas Plapp and Kelland O’Brien OAM, and Decker’s arrival adds further momentum to this tradition.
The VIS cycling program continues to support cyclists from a broad range of disciplines, including BMX, mountain bike, track sprint and Para-cycling in partnership with AusCycling, building towards Los Angeles 2028.
For media enquiries: media@vis.org.au
