Frank Courtney-Jay is ANZA Cycling’s new President, bringing with him 18 years of experience as a dedicated ANZA member and committee volunteer. With a background in triathlons and a passion for cycling, he’s committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive community for all. We meet him here!
Tell us about yourself, Frank.
I was born in Sydney, but I grew up in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Kenya before heading to boarding school in England. I chose this particular school because it offered windsurfing, swimming, and plenty of outdoor activities.
How long have you lived in Singapore?
As a child, Singapore was always our hub when travelling to and from Australia, so I knew it well. When the opportunity arose in 2007 to move here for work, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been here ever since. My wife, Sam, is from London, and I have family in Australia, so we’re only one flight away from each of them. We have a seven-year-old son, Casper, who was born here and considers Singapore his home. He loves going to Tanglin Trust School, where many ANZA cyclists teach and keep an eye on him.
When did you discover a passion for cycling?
Growing up in PNG and Borneo, we didn’t have a television, so I learnt to ride a bike at a young age. I enjoyed long treks into the jungle from the age of 10 – a fantastic way to explore the region and meet locals. My bike came with me to Kenya and eventually to boarding school. Later on, I began competing in triathlons. The first thing I did when I moved to Singapore was join ANZA, and I’ve been a member for 18 years now. It’s been a wonderful and rewarding community, full of so many friends and a great support network, and through ANZA Cycling I’ve had the privilege of riding with some great people. It’s always sad to see friends leave Singapore, but we stay in touch around the world.
Why did you run for ANZA Cycling President?
I’ve been riding with ANZA for 18 years, and I’ve been on the committee for the last two years, working with the previous ANZA Cycling President Marco Mejia and the rest of the team. I’ve really enjoyed watching the committee’s passion and dedication in creating a platform where members can connect, both on and off the bike.
It’s not an easy task. We have so many members with different needs and ideas, from the lycra-clad enthusiasts to the social cruisers. Marco has done a fantastic job of building the committee with many new faces and navigating the challenges of a post-Covid era. It’s sad to see him go, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
What’s next for ANZA?
The key to ANZA Cycling is ensuring that we continue to provide a platform where everyone feels safe and welcome, both on and off the bike. We’ve recently launched a new app (cyqlapp.com), which is proving very successful. It helps us meet up on the bike, communicate about social events, and provides up-to-date club information, helping to reduce WhatsApp messages.
James Strickland has also joined the committee as Ride Director, and his enthusiasm has already made a significant impact, particularly with the recruitment of more ride captains. The ride captains are essential for group communication, ensuring everyone stays safe and enjoys the ride.
The rising cost of living is affecting everyone, including the club. It’s becoming more difficult to secure sponsors, and our social events are becoming more expensive. We need to find creative ways to do more with less.
This year, the committee’s focus is on solidifying the riding calendar, with social events, international ride dates, and bike maintenance training all set to feature prominently. We want to ensure that members have a year full of exciting and valuable cycling experiences ahead.
Stronger in the Saddle
Meet the physios helping you ride smarter and faster.
Strength Clinic Academy is shaking up the way cyclists train and recover. Rather than just fixing aches and pains, they’re all about helping cyclists ride stronger, longer, and pain-free. From tight hips to lower back stiffness, their physiotherapists work with riders to treat common issues, while digging deeper to spot movement inefficiencies and posture imbalances.
Their secret is mix of physiotherapy and high-tech VALD performance testing (using snazzy advanced sensors and force plates) that gives clients a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses – helping cyclists to ride smarter and pedal harder. (See ANZA Cycling’s Marco, pictured right for proof!).
For those looking to optimise energy and endurance, their metabolic testing gives real-time insights into how your body uses fuel, taking the guesswork out of training. With personal training, recovery strategies, and cycling-specific strength programmes on offer, they’re a perfect addition to your ANZA Cycling schedule, helping you go further, faster, and stay injury-free.
6a Shenton Way, #03-06, Downtown Gallery, 068815
strengthclinicacademy.com
