Burgos BH has made a great start to the 2024 season with a victory in the first stage of the
New Zealand Cycle Classic. The experienced New Zealand cyclist,
Aaron Gate, one of the recent reinforcements of the Spanish team, won the first day, also taking with him the yellow leader's jersey.
It should be noted that the cyclist raced with the New Zealand national team. The New Zealand Classic saw a thrilling spectacle in Masterton, where Gate showed his speed and determination in a challenging finish that included a decisive climb. The Kiwi, renowned for his talent on the track, displayed his explosiveness, outpacing his rivals in a commanding sprint to victory.
This is not the first time Gate has performed in this competition; he had already conquered stages in three previous editions and took the general classification in 2019. Now, he holds the top spot in the general classification and will strive to maintain the lead until the last day of competition next Sunday.
As for the next stage, Gate's teammate George Jackson, also selected for this race, is expected to get his chance. The cycling caravan will head from Masterton to Martinborough, a challenging course through vineyards, olive groves and farmland, where the sprinters will have nine laps to excel in terrain conducive to their prowess.
"I came into this race with some confidence, having won it before and knowing what it took," commented Aaron Gate after his win. "The training I've been doing over the [austral] summer has been very track specific and, although the velodrome is flat, this is somewhat similar. A one-minute effort to the finish line, which is what I've been training for. It was good to be able to take advantage of it and win a stage."
Article written by Juan Larra.