THE consolation for national mountain bike coach Neil Ross yesterday was that his program's axing was not a results- based decision.
In the two years since the qualification period for the last Olympics, Australia's world ranking in the sport had rocketed from 22nd to 10th.
It formerly had two women in the top 100 and one man, now it has half a dozen in both.
"I'm very disappointed because I think our results speak for themselves," Ross said.
"The decision was not made due to the program not meeting its objectives. It was more down to financial reality which I can understand, but it's difficult to swallow."
The 36-year-old Canadian is hopeful of securing another position within Cycling Australia and is keen to continue coaching Rowena Fry.
"CA have strongly indicated that they value my contribution and want to keep me in the organisation," he said.
"My future is not particularly clear but I will probably be leaving Launceston.
"I will miss the place, both personally and professionally. It's been a great home and my wife and I have loved it here.
"The support for the program from Tasmania has been incredible. A lot of Tasmanians have fairly heavily invested in this and the disappointment goes far beyond the people in the program."
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