NZ TT Champion ready for first hit out

Westley Gough on his way to the NZ TT title ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Aug 3rd, 11. Westley Gough won the NZ TT Champion title back in January, but he has yet to wear his NZ champion skinsuit.

That will change this weekend and Gough is ready to deliver a top result.

Subway Pro Cycling's last race in the USA this season, the Tour of Elk Grove, will be the first time Gough has raced a time trial since he won his title.

On Friday, he will wear the black and white champion skinsuit during the 7.2km opening stage time trial, and after a good training block Gough is looking towards the podium.

"I'm feeling good and I'm really looking forward to this tour, the prologue especially," Gough said. 

"I'm expecting a good performance in the prologue, a podium would be great. There are some good riders, but of course I am aiming for the win."

The Subway Pro Cycling team for the UCI2.2 three stage race is Dillion Bennet, Matt Gorter, Nick Lovegrove, Joseph Kukolla (US) and Gough.

Starting on Friday (US time) in the greater Chicago area, The Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove features 15 professional teams, including Bissell Pro Cycling, Fly V Australia, United Healthcare, Jelly Belly Cycling Team as well as European Pro Continental team Geox TMC.

After the opening stage time trial, the peloton faces a 156km road race on Saturday and closes with a circuit race on Sunday. This is the first year the tour is UCI registered which has required some changes; the traditional final stage criterium has had to be be replaced by a circuit race as the UCI does not allow criteriums in stage races.  

Gough believes a good result in the opening time trial could set him up well for an overall good result if he can back up the time trial with two good road races.

"I'm sure I'm going to be in the mix, I'll just give it everything I've got on the day and hope it's enough for a result," he said.

Subway Pro Cycling's General Manager Hayden Godfrey expects hot weather conditions to be a factor in the race.

"Chicago has had some very hot conditions lately so it's extremely likely to affect the riders' racing," he said. "How they manage themselves in the heat will be important.

"The team have had some excellent racing over the last few months in the United States which has set them up well for the end of season racing in New Zealand.  

"I expect Wes could pull something special out in the TT; he is really focused on it and wants to do the national champion jersey proud."

In last year's Tour of Elk Grove, NZ's Peter Latham won the time trial with his then Bissell Pro Cycling teammate Jeremy Vennell placing 3rd. Latham now rides for Subway, but is in Europe at present.

The Tour of Elk Grove has a women's stage race, raced alongside the men. Full men's and women's rosters have not yet been announced.