24 May 2015

Gate holding points lead

2:54 pm on 24 May 2015

The New Zealand cyclist Aaron Gate has maintained his lead in the points race on the Tour of Ireland following the penultimate seventh stage.

Auckland cyclist Aaron Gate wins the fifth stage of the Tour of Ireland.

Auckland cyclist Aaron Gate wins the fifth stage of the Tour of Ireland. Photo: Paul Mohan Sportsfile

After winning stage five, Gate who's racing for the An Post Chain Reaction team, finished 12th on day six and 21st on day seven.

An Olympic bronze medalist in the team pursuit, Gate will start the final stage in 5th place overall, 4 minutes and 29 seconds behind the leader from Austria, Lukas Postlberger.

Several members of the Cycling New Zealand track squad are also competing in road race as part of their preparation for the summer track season back in New Zealand.

Alex Frame is the best placed member of the New Zealand National Team at 8th overall and 4th on points after seven stages.