Sep 22nd, 09. Kiwi international Heath Blackgrove sums up his successful 2009 international season for RoadCycling.co.nz and shares his plans for the NZ racing season.

Blackgrove wins Athens Twighlight Criterium (c) Brandon Andrews Photography

Best ride/result of the season?
I guess my win at the Athens Twilight, as it's a very prestigious race over here and to win the Tx Tough Grand Prix last week as defending champion in a sprint with the current US Pro Crit champ was pretty special.

Next races / goals before the end of the international season?
I just finished my last race for the season in the US with the TX Tough Grand Prix.

Best experience (on or off the bike)?
Continuing to be able to race and still love what I am doing.

Were you happy with your 2009 International season?
Overall I have to be happy as I've won 16 races so far this season with a couple of big wins... but of course you always want more.

When are you back in NZ?
I will be back in a couple of weeks. Home for me is Waimate, but I normally spend a lot of time in Christchurch during the offy but I am really not sure where I will spend this one.

Are you planning on riding: Tour of Southland, Taupo Challenge, Festival of Cycling, Elite Nationals...
I will be racing Southland and Elite Nationals for sure, possibly add Festival of Cycling.

Main goal for the NZ season?
Southland and Nationals - go well at both.

Related articles on Blackgrove's international season

• May 7th Blackgrove lights up Athens Twilight Criterium
• Sep 18th Tough win for Blackgrove in Texas

Read the season round-ups of all the kiwi internationals..

Greg Henderson, Peter Latham, Alex Meenhorst, Tim Gudsell, OEX Team Enterprise, Matt Sillars, Roman Van Uden, Alex McGregor, Heath Blackgrove, Wade Mangham, Glen Chadwick, Genevieve Whitson, George Bennett, Logan Hutchings, Michael Torckler, Josie Giddens, Jesse Sergent, Tom David, Jack Bauer, Sam Bewley, Rushlee Buchanan, Clinton Avery, Ryan Wills, Cath Cheatley plus recent interviews with Alison Shanks, Hayden Roulston and Jo Kiesanowski. More to come...