Sep 3rd, 10. Ruaraidh McLeod shares his season roundup after his first year as a Kiwi international.  The Canterbury teenager was racing with top Belgian team, Isorex.

Pleased with his win (Photo provided)

A deal was brokered by coach Terry Gyde,  Peiper (HTC Columbia) and Andrew McQuaid, who is a top manager of professional cyclists in Europe.  McLeod was also provided ongoing support throughout the season to ensure he made the most of the opportunities available to him.

Early last month, days before his 19th birthday, McLeod got the win he, and his supporters, knew he was capable of.  After joining a breakaway group in an U23 Belgian race, McLeod took off with 200m to go and held on for the victory. 

McLeod is back in New Zealand now, but has secured a contract to head over to Europe again next season.

2010 International Season RoundUp

Best ride or result of the season?
It would have to be a Kermis that I won. I had been over there for four months with nothing to show for it, then the win made it all happy. I got another few 2nd places too.

Also, for a ride it would have been a UCI U27 Topcomp race in Belgium where I was in the front group, but on each of the 4 finishing laps I got a puncture. I was feeling good, but after that many punctures the morale took a fall.

Next races / goals before the end of the international season, if any?

There are not any, I am back home.

Best experience (on or off the bike)?
Off the bike would have to have been when I got woken up at 6am in the morning for a surprise 5 hour shift in the Lettuce factory.

On the bike there were many, it would have to  be winning my first race though.

Did you achieve your goals for the international season?
I think I did. I wanted to win a race and I did that. But there were a lot of frustrating times getting punctures and what not, when you had good legs, but that's bike riding. I learnt heaps, that was a big part of it as well. I am already looking forward to next season.

When are you back in NZ, and where will you be?
I got back yesterday (the 1st of Sept), I will be over the hill and far away, Governors Bay.

What's the thing you like most about coming home after a season on the road?
It would have to be everything, just being home, family, friends, food and the rest.

What's the first major Kiwi food addiction you have to quell upon landing?
I went for the pie and custard square combo, it was good for the morale.

What are your goals for the NZ summer season of racing?
Have a bit of a rest now, then the Tour of Southland along with a bit of time on the track bike I think. Elite Nationals are just over the hill from me, so I will be doing them also.

If you would like to share your plans for 2011, please feel free to (if you can).
I have signed for a continental team in Belgium for the 2011 season, so will be heading over there some time in February.

Ruaraidh's win

• Kiwi celebrates his birthday with a win

All season round-ups to date: Emma Crum, Ruaraidh McLeod, Michael Torckler, Tom David,  Daniel Barry, Patrick Bevin,  Wade Mangham, Taylor Gunman,  George Bennett, Jason Allen.