Birmingham Commonwealth Games: Recordbreaking Kiwi cyclist Aaron Gate poised to carry NZ flag at closing ceremony

Kiwi Aaron Gate's historic victory in the men's road race on Monday (NZ time) was gutsy, gargantuan and ground-breaking, as he became the first Kiwi to win a quartet of gold medals at a single Commonwealth Games.

But Gate is typically understated about the record he's written and ridden.

"I won a bike race, I suppose," Gate told Newshub.

"I got to race five events, which felt like an honour in itself, and then to win four of those, I honestly can’t believe it. 

"I'm looking forward to having a beer now."

Just two days ago, Gate said he was looking forward to supporting his teammates in the road race and seeing another Kiwi claiming the plaudits.

Instead, he found himself in a familiar position - atop the podium.

"If anything, I was trying to slow that group down because I had five strong teammates behind that I knew could come across," Gates recalled of the race. 

But sometimes, nice guys finish first. Gate timed his ride to perfection, sitting as part of the breakaway group for much of the 160km race, then unleashing in the sprint finish.

"I started to look down with 100m to go, waiting to see someone in my peripheral," he added. 

"When I couldn't see any wheels coming up besides me, I was just like 'oh you've got to be joking, this is unreal'.

"Got to put the arms up and just couldn’t believe it."

And as if winning four golds wasn't enough, Gate may have one last job to do - bearing the NZ flag at Tuesday's closing ceremony.

"I don't know if my biceps are up to that sort of thing," joked Gate. "We'll see."

After wearing the NZ flag for four medal ceremonies, it might just be time to carry it.