KEY POINTS:
New Zealand track cyclist Wes Gough has a medal to show for his contribution to the New Zealand team's cause at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has struck an extra bronze medal for Gough, who was presented with it at the New Zealand team's farewell party held in Beijing.
"I'm absolutely stoked," the 20-year-old from Waipukurau in Hawkes Bay said before joining fellow his Olympians for the return flight to New Zealand, which is due to land in Auckland this morning.
Gough produced strong performances in the qualifying rounds of the teams pursuit, including helping the team go under four minutes for the first time.
Individual pursuit silver medallist Hayden Roulston was then called up for the successful bronze rideoff against Australia.
"It was a total surprise," Gough said of his presentation.
In previous Olympics reserve cyclists had been awarded medals, but that had not been in the case Beijing where other sports adopted different rules.
Swimming allowed for medals to be awarded to relay team members who helped teams qualify while athletics did not.
New Zealand management appealed to the IOC, with the outcome giving Gough a lifelong reminder of his efforts in the Chinese capital.
- NZPA
