Sam Gaze has apologised for his unsportsmanlike behaviour after winning gold in the men's mountain bike race yesterday.

He was fined 200 Swiss francs ($282) for his flip-the-bird gesture, according to a Cycling New Zealand spokesperson.

The Swiss currency is used because that is the base for cycling's governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale.

Gaze delivered one of the most exhilarating moments of this Commonwealth Games when he suffered a puncture on the final lap but chased down Anton Cooper to take gold, reversing the medal order from four years ago.

However, poor sportsmanship on Gaze's part overshadowed his performance after he was captured extending his middle finger in the direction of Cooper after he was forced off his bike.

The 22-year-old also put his forefinger to his lips as he crossed the finish line, and then suggested that "the good guys always win" afterwards.

Speaking to the Herald today, Gaze apologised for his behaviour, saying he regretted the way he acted.

"Yesterday was the first time of my life I really had to deal with pressure ... it was a hard moment to handle when I thought [my race was over].

"Heat of the moment I made a decision that was not respectable.

"I am gravely sorry."

Gaze said he hopes to learn from this experience and looks forward to competing with his Kiwi rival Cooper in the future.

"It's the way that the sport is. There's a sportsman side of you and there's a human side of you.

"I'm living and learning and I know that people will understand."

He told Greg Boyed that he felt like he lost yesterday. 

He says that he was not told to write his initial apology yesterday. 

LISTEN TO SAM GAZE TALK WITH GREG BOYED ABOVE