TEAM COUPLANDS (TCO)

81 Glen Haden (O35) Whanganui

82 Nicholas Kergozou Invercargill

83 Ari Scott (U23) Nelson

84 Liam Cappel Auckland

85 Callum Nisbet (U23) Matamata

86 David Martin Palmerston North

Glen Haden returns to lead the team once again in the SBS Bank Tour of Southland. He has claimed national titles ranging from age group time trial champion to national downhill champion in 2008, and finished second in the Silver Jersey competition for riders over 35 last year, after taking the title in 2019, so he may be in a position to exchange his team jersey for a classification jersey during the course of the tour. Nicholas Kergozou is a local lad with an impressive track pedigree, most recently having gone to the Tokyo Olympics as the travelling reserve for the New Zealand track team. In the lead up to the Olympics he also managed to break the one minute barrier for a 1km standing start. ‘Kilo Kergy’ will have his sights set on the sprints, and a potential repeat win in the green jersey competition, which he took out in 2016. Ari Scott is a newcomer to the team, with the ability to fly up the steep slopes that form such an iconic part of the tour. Liam Cappel is back for his third year with the team, and will play an important role supporting the jersey aspirations of his team mates, having represented New Zealand in U23 Ghent Wevelgem and Ronde van Vlaanderen Nations Cup races. Callum Nisbet is a punchy rider who will be looking for chances out on the road while assisting the rest of the team, while David Martin will be making his debut at the tour this year, and be in a great position to learn the ropes from his more experienced team mates.