Kim tore up and down the 24.4-kilometer championship course in 34 minutes and 52 seconds to defend her black fern TT suit. Henrietta Christie came across the line less than minute behind Kim to finish third.

Kim knew she could take nothing for granted as she set out on the out-and-back course in Timaru as a light mist began to fall.

“Off the start, there was a lot of crosswind so going along the top you had to hold on,” Kim said. “And then I could see the rider in front but I knew I’d catch her after the descent. It was super rough and I couldn’t really see that well because it was raining. It was just as hard as it was last year. More wind, more rain, which is how I like it. Cold!”

Winning her first elite time trial title in 2024 was special but to repeat meant even more to Kim.

“It means a lot this time. Even though it did last time, I was sort of unsure of how I’d go and then to defend it again means a lot more to me because I felt under-confident coming in this time. The field was as strong as it’s ever been for New Zealand nationals. And in the heat in Australia, I didn’t feel as strong, so it’s really the confidence boost I needed for the year.”

Teammate Henrietta Christie was pleased to join Kim on the podium.

“I know Kim’s a really good time trialer so I knew she’s the one to beat. I’m just really happy to be on the podium and to be there next to Kim was awesome. I got to celebrate, pour some champagne on her. It was fun.”

The fun continues tomorrow when Henrietta and Kim line up for the road race.

“It’s amazing the depth in our team," Kim said. “We should never be overlooked because we have time trialists, attackers, sprinters, climbers. You name it, we’ve got it.”

Well done and best of luck, Henrietta and Kim!