Champion cyclist selected to lead NZ team at closing ceremony

History-making cyclist Aaron Gate will carry the New Zealand flag at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.

Aaron Gate with son Axel. Gate will be the New Zealand flag bearer at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.
Photo: AFP / Adrian Dennis

Gate won four gold medals, becoming the first ever New Zealander to win four golds at a single Games.

He was on top of the podium in the 4000m Individual Pursuit, 4000m Team Pursuit, Points Race and the Road Race. He also placed 4th in the time trial.

“The whole campaign for me here has been a bit surreal. I’m absolutely over the moon with how well it’s gone and being named as flagbearer is the icing on the cake after being able to pull off four golds with the track and road teams,” Gate said.

“I’m really looking forward to leading the New Zealand Team into the Closing Ceremony and will carry our flag with a huge amount of pride.”

Gate’s performances helped lift New Zealand’s medal tally in track cycling to 13, making them the most dominant team in the London velodrome.

The medals were made up of eight gold, four silver and one bronze – New Zealand’s most successful performance on the track at a major event.

The New Zealand men’s Teams Pursuit won gold.
Photo: SWPix / www.photoport.nz

Gate was supported by wife Kirstie and son Axel at the Birmingham Games.

New Zealand team chef de mission Nigel Avery said Gate was a fantastic leader of the team.

“Aaron is an incredible athlete who has represented New Zealand with pride and passion for around 15 years,” Avery said.

“He exemplifies the values and culture of our team on and off the track, and we’re thrilled to name him as our closing ceremony flagbearer.”

Gate, who also competed at the Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games as well as the Tokyo and Rio Olympic Games, follows in the footsteps of Joelle King and Tom Walsh who carried the flag at the Opening Ceremony.