The 22-year-old from Tokoroa is no stranger to road racing, but is better known for his exploits on knobbly tyres having twice won the world under-23 cross-country title, along with silver and gold at the past two Commonwealth Games.
Unfortunately, a broken wrist and an injured ankle suffered during a World Cup practice run in Canada back in August forced a premature end to his mountain-bike season.
"Growing up I would look at the Tour of Southland each year and think how cool it would be to ride that event one day and I’m really looking forward to doing a hot lap of Southland," Gaze said.
"Most, if not all, of New Zealand’s best road riders have done the Tour of Southland at some point so it will be great to tick it off."
Gaze will help form a competitive PowerNet team led by the experienced Paul Odlin.
While he was still building his strength following the crash in August, Gaze said he would take any opportunity that presented itself during the tour, which runs from October 28 to November 3.
"I don’t think I’ll have the power to really factor on the climbs, but if I’m in the mix for any of the sprint finishes I’ll definitely give it a go," he said.
Gaze won the national criterium championships last year and has competed in the elite national road championships.
He will join the likes of defending champion James Piccoli and Hamish Bond on the start line for this year’s tour.
