Invercargill mother-of-three Kylea Gough's family is hooked on cycling.
The Southland masters cycling star won five gold medals at the Age Group Track National Championships in Invercargill recently, but she admits that she couldn't have done it without the help of her family who were also involved in the five-day meeting.
"I couldn't do it without the support of my family like my husband Shane with all the mechanics and keeping our bikes in check," she said.
"It is all about keeping fit and healthy, and keeping up with my kids."
"My wee boy, Cooper, is six and is so proud of me, it is really cool."
The Southland cyclist entered five events and claimed five gold medals in the 40-44 year-old age group category events.
She won the 500 metres time trial in a personal best time of 38.952 seconds, along with victory in the 2000m individual pursuit, 5km scratch race and the keirin, before teaming up with masters world championship gold medallist Erin Criglington in the team sprint.
Despite her success on the track, the highlight for the family focussed Gough was watching her daughter Madeleine claim a silver medal in the individual sprint and gold as part of the Southland under-17 girls' pursuit team, while she also enjoyed seeing her son, Hunter,13, compete.
"The highlight probably wasn't my golds, it would definitely be my daughter, both my son and daughter competed," she said.
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"The pursuit team was the first Southland team to win that title, that was probably my most exciting moment."
"It was really exciting to see my daughter work so hard and come up with some medals herself too."
She has been involved in the national event over the last six years, with mixed success although she has won the keirin event before.
The cyclist admits that she didn't have many expectations after a one year absence from the event.
"I didn't know much about my competitors, so they were all very new to me," she said.
"I just tried my best and used my knowledge I had of the track, I was really pleased with my efforts."
Her improved performance came as a result of growing confidence on the track and plenty of local support.
"You change your training and you are more specific and the age groups have changed a little bit," she said.
"You get better and more confident on the track."
"I don't have a coach, I just have people who support me like my husband, family and Sid Cumming have always been supportive, and given me encouragement."
While other Southland riders Erin Criglington and Neil Familton have attended UCI track cycling world championships in the past, Gough would rather stay closer to home, with her next race being the NZ Club Road National Championships in Alexandra.
Photo and article coutesy Stuff