Matt Rossiter and Ryan Todhunter participated as ‘cyclors’ in the recent 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.
The America’s Cup, the most prestigious event in yacht racing, sponsored by Louis Vuitton, took place in Barcelona from August to October. This year's event was momentous in a number of ways, not least in the introduction of a groundbreaking 'cyclor' position. Cyclors are team members who generate power for the yachts by pedaling, similar to power cycling.
The British team (Ineos Britannia), led by Sir Ben Ainslie, appointed a squad of nine cyclors, with four on-board the boat for each race. Two of the cyclors were Durham alumni - Matt Rossiter (St Cuthbert’s Society, 2009-12) and Ryan Todhunter (Collingwood College, 2017-19).
Both Matt and Ryan were decorated rowing athletes during their time at Durham. Matt progressed his rowing career after graduating, joining the senior British Rowing squad in 2017, and later the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Post-Durham, Ryan moved on to Leander Club, where he won the Henley Regatta in 2020, and competed in a World Cup for Team GB.
Referred to as the 'working class heroes' of the America’s Cup, cyclors such as Matt and Ryan have been essential to the success of teams across the competition. And while the position is still very new, due to the hard work and proven effectiveness of these athletes, it is here to stay.
Both Matt and Ryan, former rowing athletes during their time at Durham, have been part of a significant transformation in sailing. Matt, a Biology graduate, and Ryan, who completed his master’s degree in Risk here, secured their place in the history books during this year’s semi-final when they powered past Italy, with a score of 7-4, to face off against the Kiwis in the final—a feat not achieved by a British boat since 1964.
As well as forming part of the first British team to enter the America's Cup in 60 years, Matt and Ryan helped Ineos Britannia become the first British crew to score points in the competition in 90 years, equalling Britain's most successful performance ever. Finally, the crew was the first British team to win an America's Cup Challenger Series.
The transition from rowing at our boat club to becoming a cyclor in the Ineos Britannia squad at the America’s Cup has come with a unique set of challenges. We’re proud of the resilience and discipline evidenced by Matt and Ryan in this prestigious competition, and also how our boat club has prepared the pair for their sporting journey.
Congratulations to the pair for their role in (literally) propelling Ineos Britannia towards greater heights!
Watch interviews with Matt and Ryan on their evolution to becoming cyclors:
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