BikeNZ track riders gain success on the roads in Europe

New Zealand track cycling hopes have enjoyed success on the roads in Europe today.

Auckland’s Aaron Gate has won the sprint jersey while fellow Commonwealth Games teammate Shane Archbold (Timaru) was third in the final stage of the demanding three day Triptyque Ardennais in Belgium.

The pair are part of the BikeNZ under-23 endurance track squad training and racing in Europe during the northern summer. They comprise Gate, Archbold, Jason Christie, Myron Simpson, Cameron Karwowski and Wade Mangham.

They impressed over the hills of the UCI 2.12 category tour, which is preparation for the upcoming eight-day RAS Tour in Ireland later this month.

Both Gate and Archbold were prominent in the final 153km loop stage around Verviers. Gate has been aggressive throughout, holding the sprint leaders jersey throughout, despite the hilly terrain.

Two riders cleared out to claim the major honours today with Archbold out-sprinting the peloton for third place while Gate also finished safely in the pack.

Gate was the best of the kiwis in 15th place overall on general classification, 1:15 down on winner Brian Bulgac (NED).

“We knew what we were in for after our training camp here in the Ardennes,” said BikeNZ coach Stu MacDonald. “We picked this race because the route for the Ireland tour is also hilly.

“I was really impressed with how the young guys responded to protect the sprint jersey for Aaron throughout.

“This is not the sort of terrain to suit track riders but they got themselves into the major sprints throughout which was very impressive and they are finding some good form.”

The riders will now recover this week before travelling to Ireland for the eight-day tour that starts next Monday (NZ time).