Dean started racing as a junior aged sixteen and 'retired' to focus on other things in life aged twenty-six. During that time he became the first person to win Queensland's biggest race, the Cunningham Classic, on two occasions, spent a season on the kermesse circuit in Belgium and represented Australia at the Oceania Championships.
Winning the Cunningham Classic in 1997.
Warming up for the Oceania Championships Individual Time Trial in 1997, before finishing 7th.
Some twelve years later Dean started racing again. He quickly progressed through the Queensland grading system and a short eighteen months after getting back on the bike, he achieved the dubious honour of being one of the oldest Elite A grade racers in Queensland, at the age of forty. He focuses mainly on Masters events now.
Dean is currently a Queensland and Australian Masters Champion on the velodrome and in 2017 secured Silver and Bronze medals at the World Masters Games, also on the velodrome.
Dean is currently a Queensland and Australian Masters Champion on the velodrome and in 2017 secured Silver and Bronze medals at the World Masters Games, also on the velodrome.
Elite A Toowoomba Criterium in 2014.
Away from cycling, Dean is married with two children and works as a high school Principal. He has also completed a doctorate, focused on the principles of adult education. He uses that knowledge as a key influence on his coaching. Dean has been providing advice and support about cycling racing and training to many people for many years, which has included:
- Working as school-based coordinator for Queensland Academy of Sport Cycling Talent in Schools program.
- Working as school-based coordinator for Wynnum Redlands Cycling Club Schools program.
- Advice about training and racing through online articles for local cycling club members (see: http://drpcoaching.blogspot.com.au/p/cycling-resources.html)
- Ongoing advice and support regarding racing and training for cyclists and triathletes from beginners to advanced.
Qualifications completed:
- Legal Responsibilities & Risk Management in Sport Workshop (Southbank Institute of TAFE)
- Community Coaching General Principles Online Course (Australian Sports Commission)
- Level 1 Anti-Doping Online Course (ASADA)
- Level 2 Anti-Doping Online Course (ASADA)
Qualifications is in the process of completing:
- NCAS Road & Track Skills Coaching Course (Cycling Queensland)
- NCAS Level 1 Road & Track Coaching Course (Cycling Queensland)
Dean is regarded as a respected 'old head' of Queensland cycling. He is using all of the background and qualifications discussed here as the basis for his coaching.
Check out his personal cycling blog at: http://crosswindmissile.blogspot.com.au/
Check out his personal cycling blog at: http://crosswindmissile.blogspot.com.au/
