McGregor started competing at the national event in age-group races from the age of 16, so he is no stranger to competition, but yesterday's elite races were a step up, he said.
Originally from Alexandra, McGregor made the move to Dunedin five years ago and has spent three seasons in Holland, Belgium and France.
Now 22, he aims to gain a contract in the United States after a disappointing setback at the beginning of the year.
After his last season in Europe, he was approached by talent scouts and asked to join a cycling team in the United States.
Considering himself fortunate to be asked, he agreed. But he was packing to go when an email arrived telling him it was all off because one of the key sponsors had been tied up with the Lance Armstrong scandal.
''I should have been there now. It is so disappointing and when I was told, my reaction was pretty bad.''
McGregor was so upset he turned his bedroom upside down in frustration as he thought this was going to be his break into the world cycling circuit.
However, months later the young rider is back on track. Last month, he won the Tour de Lakes. His plan now is to find a sponsor, keep training and compete at national events before approaching his friend and mentor, professional rider Greg Henderson, for advice on how to break into the US.
Yesterday, McGregor said he felt a little underdone after he caught a respiratory virus on Sunday that left him with a doctor's certificate suggesting five days of rest.
His time of 52min 20sec was set on a bike that was two frames too small for the 1.93m rider. McGregor finished just 5sec behind fellow Otago competitor Scott Thomas.
Wellington's Andy Hagan and Christchurch's Sam Horgan set times of 50min 6sec and 50min 30sec respectively.
Sarah Morrison (Morrinsville Wheelers) won the elite women's time trial in 36min 7sec. Kerri-Ann Page (Ramblers Cycling Club) was second in 36min 54sec, and Ashleigh Neave (Ramblers) third in 37min 5sec.
