Aaron Gate Focuses on Tour de France, Skips Commonwealth Games

New Zealand cyclist Aaron Gate will not defend his titles at this year’s Commonwealth Games, prioritizing instead his ambitions for the 2026 season and a shot at the prestigious Tour de France. At the age of 35, Gate is shifting his focus toward road cycling after making history in 2022 by becoming the first New Zealander to win four gold medals at a Commonwealth Games.

In 2022, Gate excelled in various events, clinching gold in the team pursuit, individual pursuit, points race, and the road race. Following a successful season with the World Tour road team XDS Astana, he has signed a two-year contract with the Kazakhstan-registered outfit, reflecting the team’s confidence in his potential.

Gate emphasized the importance of commitment to his team, stating, “The team (XDS Astana) has been very supportive of me so far, so I’m going to give them my unwavering support for the season and just focusing on the road and doing that job.” He acknowledged that a lot would need to change for him to consider participating in the Commonwealth Games, adding that competing again might be challenging after his previous achievements.

Having not competed on the track in over a year, Gate expressed confidence in the strength of the New Zealand track team while joking about the difficulty of surpassing his prior success at the Birmingham Games. “I guess in some ways it is good to quit while you’re ahead,” he remarked, reflecting on his illustrious career.

Looking ahead, Gate is setting his sights on the Tour de France, an event he has long admired but never had the opportunity to participate in as a member of a World Tour team until now. The race is scheduled for July, and he is eager for the challenge. “It is one of the craziest experiences you can do as an athlete with all eyes on everything at all times,” he explained.

Having competed in the Olympics in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024, Gate noted that the Tour presents a similar high-pressure environment. “There are 180 guys in the bunch, and so it is going to be very stressful and at times not enjoyable, but it’s the achievement of doing the job well.”

Before heading to Europe to prepare for the northern season in February, Gate will participate in both the Tour Down Under and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race this month. He notably finished second in the Cadel Evans race in 2025, showcasing his competitive edge and readiness for the upcoming season.

As Gate embarks on this new chapter in his career, his decision to forgo the Commonwealth Games underscores his commitment to his team and aspirations in road cycling, particularly as he gears up for one of cycling’s most significant challenges.