Strap in New Zealand. Stick those feet on the pedals and lock them in – this ride is going to be fun.
It’s hard to look at the record-breaking haul of 16 medals the New Zealand cycling team delivered at the recent world championships in Scotland, and contain your excitement for next year’s Olympics.
The track success is the clear reason why, especially after confirming that last year’s crushing of the Commonwealth was no coincidence.
Their elder statesman, Aaron Gate, continues to defy father time . It seems all that could stop the 32-year-old from getting a medal in Paris next year would be a repeat of his crash in Tokyo. Individually, he’s sensational, his ticker in particular, has to be marveled at.
In the endurance team, Gate and Campbell Stewart will look to improve on their bronze medal in the madison three years ago. With more time on the track together heading into Paris, you wouldn’t rule it out. Aaron Gate claims gold in the men’s points race. Photo credit: Getty Images What helps is their existing relationship. You can’t help but smile at the way the pair interact with each other. There’s still the older brother complex, but they’re now equals.
Stewart, a silver medallist in the omnium at the last Games, will also be better for a longer lead-in, after coming fresh off the road. When you add Tom Sexton and Nick Kergozou, the men’s team pursuit are in good stead.
The women’s endurance programme, arguably, is ahead of schedule. Bryony Botha’s […]
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