The weather held off for the most part for the NZ Masters Time Trial and Road Race held in Wanganui on the 8th and 9th of April.  The courses were the same as used for the recent Oceania Games and the Road Race was especially challenging given the brisk wind and intermittent showers.  The usual suspects were all prominent in the various grades of the Road event with Bruce Goldsworthy, Laurence Sunde, Mark Crowther, Marcel Hollenstein, Don Robinson, Eltje Malzbender, Pat Johnstone and Chris Johnson all to the fore.  Of real delight to those attending the prizegiving was the joy 75 year old Arthur Vosper showed as he won his first ever medal in taking out the I grade (75+).

The overall winner of the Time Trial came from the D grade (50-54) as Barry Gilliland from Palmerton North continued his good form in this discipline.  Steve Connell (Wellington) and Peter Gavin (Taradale) filled out the minor overall placings in the mens overall section.  Margaret Tyson (Wanganui) was a narrow 6 second winner over Sue Nichols (Marton) in the womens overall section.

The participation of the 70+ age groups proved to be a real highlight and the smart time (42.20) of 78 year old Ray Boocock of Orewa a real achievement.  The camaraderie and competition amongst the elder statesman is one reason that the Masters Association is keen to keep the concept of Masters cycling alive as they look at restructuring their organisation.