Aaron Gate of New Zealand celebrating victory in the Men’s Points Race at the 2023 World Championships. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand's premier cyclist, Aaron Gate, has won the gold medal in the men's Points race on the final day of track competition at the Cycling World Championships in Scotland.
He dominated the 160-lap race, gaining four laps on the field in a magnificent performance.
It is Gates' second world title, having won the omnium in 2013.
It is also his third medal this week after winning bronze in the madison and team pursuit.
He admits today's gold was a bonus.
"I like to win team events most but this one is the icing on the cake for what has been a great week for us all as a whole team, wider squad included, and I can't wait for the Olympics next year now," said Gate, who won four gold medals at last year's Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
"The points race is pretty special and a race I love but haven't raced it at the worlds for 11 years and it's been 10 years since I managed to win one of these stripy jumpers," said Gate.
"To come out tonight and put all the hard work to good use is a special feeling. The Points race was an after-thought. The main focus was the team pursuit and madison with Campbell and I think this was a nice bonus and an event I have wanted to race for a long time.
Corbin Strong won the World Championship points race in 2020.
"It's good to add my name to the other kiwis who have won it."
Earlier, Ellesse Andrews won a bronze medal in the sprint.
Andrews accounted for two-time sprint world champion, Emma Hinze of Germany in two straight rides in the best of three ride for the bronze medal.
She was beaten in the semi-finals by Germany's Lea Sophie Friedrich.
"After qualifying 10th, I managed to sprint my way to a bronze medal and I am just so proud of that. And that I was able to back-up rides and get myself into that medal position," said Andrews.
Ally Wollaston finished sixth in the omnium.
It brings New Zealand's tally to eight to extend their record as the most successful track world championships.
