Aaron Gate likes to play hard, but work even harder.
Just over 12 hours after claiming his first ever Halberg Award in Auckland, he was back in Cambridge qualifying top spot in the individual pursuit final.
"There was a moment this morning where i did wonder if it was a good idea today but 1 o'clock start, pretty leisurely, can't complain and good to blow the cobwebs off and lay down a decent ride," he said.
Winning the sportsman of the year award was still sinking in for Gate - who thought he was in for a shot in 2023 after winning four Commonwealth Games gold medals.
"Of course Nico Porteous hard to beat with his Olympic gold. I was happy for him also but maybe it was just a sign it was meant to be when my wife was back, because she was stuck in Europe with the boys last year so it was nice to have her here to celebrate," he said.
Gate was also able to celebrate with his parents and personal coach Simon Finnel, who's coached him for 15 years and never charged a cent.
"I mean we've talked gold and Bitcoin and things but no real currency," he said.
Fortunately, his currency has come in the form of prized medals.
"And intention.. desire.. and all those things you can't put a price on," said Finnel.
Finnel, a humble man, is a key cog in Gate's wheels - tasked with getting him in the best form possible for the Paris Olympics.
That includes designing his programmes, and helping make decisions like missing the upcoming New Zealand Track Nationals to get back on the pro circuit.
"If we can put 100% intention on the velodrome, on the bike - he's going to be rewarded with something I feel so sure about it," he said.
And no one's putting more expectation on themselves than Aaron - who's motivated by the disappointment of Tokyo, crashing out of the men's team pursuit.
"This is a big one for me. I wanna go out and do it for my teammates too because they pour their heart and souls into it, the whole wider team behind the team - a lot goes into one Olympic medal.
"So for me it's about doing everything I can to be there and be in my best shape and give it my best shot because it's not something I'm gonna take lightly or go to just participate. I'm going there to win," he said.
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