Cycling: Tokyo Olympian Rebecca Petch turns barista to fund double push for gold at Paris 2024

One of New Zealand's leading BMX riders is taking a different path as she looks to juggle life as a track cyclist.

Tokyo Olympian Rebecca Petch will race in the women's team sprint at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and success in both over the next couple of years could see her compete in two disciplines at Paris 2024.

But funding that push has seen Petch resort to alternative measures.

Rebecca Petch competes at the Tokyo Olympics.
Rebecca Petch competes at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo credit: Image - Photosport

Nestled in the carpark of an old Bunnings, Petch is grinding away - but not in the way she's known for.

Petch has bought a caravan, kitted it out, and sells coffee to the Cambridge community.

Making coffee is not everyone's idea of a break, but the 23-year-old's a part-time barista to help fund two cycling disciplines, after adding the track to an already solid BMX foundation.

"Word's actually starting to get around that I'm here," Petch told Newshub.

"This is just to help me live a little bit more, and actually go overseas and not have to worry about things back home."

However others will have to take over for a while - alongside Ellesse Andrews and Olivia King, Petch will compete in the team sprint in Birmingham in just a few weeks.

Because of a schedule clash, Petch has prioritised the Commonwealth Games over the BMX world champs.

"After the Comm Games, I'll get back on the BMX bike, and just see how I feel about both, and just find that balance and go from there."

The possibility of doing both at the Paris Olympics remains real.

"I would love to do both," she added. "It's just getting the points for both sports. 

"If races clash, that's the tricky part."

A double shot of gold awaits.