In 2020 Cooper had his first ever experience of track cycling and absolutely loved it and has thrown himself into both track and road cycling ever since. It has been a steep learning curve, literally, moving from the relatively flat outdoor track here in Marlborough to the steep wooden indoor velodromes of Cambridge and Invercargill and learning the importance of race tactics. In 2022 Cooper placed 2nd in both the U16 road and track events at the South Island Secondary School Champs and placed 3rd in the U16 National Schools Criterium Champs. Cooper’s grant will help with costs to travel to the National Track Series in Cambridge where he will gain crucial tactical experience and continue to develop his skills and be more competitive on a National level.