Diligence key driver of Gough: HB coach

Ivar Hopman.

No one knows better than Ivar Hopman what makes Rio-bound Regan Gough tick.

"He's really dedicated. Since he was young he always worked on the little things," said the delighted 55-year-old coach of Gough after Cycling NZ named him in their 20-strong squad on Saturday to compete at the Olympics in Brazil from next month.

"Regan knows how to develop more, always paying attention to detail and driving towards it," said Hopman, of Napier, who has mentored the teenager since he was 13.

He recalled how Gough was among a herd of 60 junior cyclists from the HB Ramblers Cycling Club so it was pleasing to see him make the cut to Rio.

Hopman was quick to point out Cambridge-based Hannah van Kampen 23, of Hastings, also was bound for Rio as a pilot, possibly for stoker Amanda Cameron at their maiden Paralympics.

"We have two riders going from Hawke's Bay now so it can't get any better than that for cycling," he said, revealing Van Kampen is preparing in Canada.

Hopman said Gough's gritty resolve was apparent when he registered a PB in the Omnium (six events) at the nationals in January.

He felt what would have caught the eye of the selectors was Gough's propensity to whittle away 100th of a second and exert more energy.

"It's minimal but they [riders] have to show those small swings."

Hopman has already started inspiring his younger group of riders to work towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"I've already told them that you are my new crop so as the younger guys you have to do it," says Hopman, who coaches fulltime but also runs a business, Supervision Sports, a five-year contract with Ramblers club to run timing equipment at races.