Bayfield High School: Jeff Notman

"There's nothing like the freedom and peace of being out on the road with the wind in my hair - it spins my wheels.''

Bayfield High School head boy Jeff Notman (18) has been road cycling and mountain biking for only the past four years but already he has won the 2009 Otago Central Rail Trail Duathlon, the 2009 Elite Junior Motatapu Icebreaker Mountain Bike Race, the Otago Southland Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships (2007 and 2008), the Otago Secondary Schools Duathlon Championships (2007 and 2008) and is a member of the Otago road cycling team.

‘‘Riding bikes is a major part of my life. Once you get a taste of competitive riding, you get the bug.''

One of his greatest challenges has been trying to overcome his ‘‘irrational fear'' of sheep after he collided with one at 40kmh during a race on the Otago Central Rail Trail and flew over the handlebars. He has had several close encounters with sheep since.

‘‘The crash didn't cause me any serious injuries but I still don't like them being anywhere near me.''

Despite his cycling successes, Jeff says his greatest achievement has been his appointment as head boy at Bayfield.

‘‘It's challenging and it tests my abilities in human relations and leadership. I'm proud of my cycling achievements and I hope I am someone that younger people can aspire to. I like the idea of being a good role model.''

When Jeff gets spare time, he loves to ‘‘relax and sit on something softer than a bike seat''.

Achievements: Head boy; senior school council (2009); 3rd U19 South Island Mountain Bike Cup (2009); 2nd senior division South Island Secondary Schools Mountain Bike Championships (2008).

Role Model: "Sir Edmund Hillary. He's achieved so much while helping and inspiring others to reach their goals."

Hopes for the future: To study carpentry at Otago Polytechnic and ultimately manage a construction company