Since taking up cycling four years ago, the 16-year-old Otago Boys' High School pupil has gone from strength to strength and is set to take his first step to bigger things. On December 3 he will be flying - in the literal sense - to Melbourne, where he will compete in the New Zealand under-19 men's team at the Oceania track cycling championships.
Syme is one of five riders named in the endurance team and is looking forward to competing against the Australians.
``It's my first time [representing New Zealand] so that should be good to get some international experience,'' he said.
``It's going to be awesome. I'm really looking forward to it, [it's my] first big step.
``The Australians will be flying, but we should give them a good run for their money.''
As well as training in Dunedin, Syme had been travelling to Invercargill, both to get stronger competition and to make use of its indoor track. He mixed his training up between the track and the road.
``I think the wooden track is definitely beneficial for training and Southland's quite strong because of it.
``The concrete track [in Mosgiel] still goes a long way on a good day. But training is harder in Dunedin if it rains. Last week it rained all week and I couldn't train, but the boys down south could get track time in so I think there definitely is an advantage of having an indoor track.''
Syme had competed for Southland at national championships, as Otago did not have a team. There he was part of the gold medal-winning pursuit and sprint teams, while claiming several bronze medals in the individual events.
He had also won the national under-17 road race.
It was a long way to come in a short space of time, after his neighbour, and now coach, Robbie van der Loo, got him into it.
``I think training's a big part of it [getting better], getting in the right circles.
``Going down to Southland was definitely a big step in the right direction, having a lot of riders and competition.''
Syme played rugby until two years ago, but gave it away as it did not fit with cycling.
While he did a lot of his cycling on the road, it was on the track that he was most at home.
``I think the track just suits me with my riding style, and I've got quite a good kick on me.
``Also, I just like the fast-paced racing, compared to the road which kind of goes on and off, so I just like the speed.''
Despite that, it will be the endurance races Syme will contest in Australia. The team is entered in the omnium, scratch, points and team pursuit events.
In the meantime, there are a few things to get done. A year 12 pupil, Syme is in the middle of his NCEA exams, while preparing for Southland championships.
