Masters track cyclists competing in Invercargill this week

The country’s leading riders 35 years and over have headed to the deep south to compete in the Masters Track National Championships in Invercargill.

There are over 60 riders from 35 to over 75 years young competing over three days at the SIT Zero Fees Velodrome.

It is the first time that the Masters have competed on their own, usually included with the younger age groups. The change will enable individual sprint events to be added to the schedule, which have become popular in major international events, including the World Masters Games.

There are a number of world and national champions competing including five-time rainbow jersey winner Colin Claxton (Auckland), age 72, with other prominent riders to achieve on the international and national stage. They include Waikato’s Julie Graddon, who holds a number of national records; Christchurch’s Graeme Litt, a world record holder; and Nelson’s Roger Bates, the oldest competitor who at 79 years young, holds the one-hour record for his age group.

There are several other prominent figures in the sport including 1994 Commonwealth Games medallist Tim Pawson (Auckland); well-respected coach, selector and administrator Graeme Bunn (Te Awamutu) and respected Southland multi-national champion. Neil Familton.

The competition runs from Thursday to Saturday.

Unfortunately, there will be no spectators permitted at this event due to Covid-19 restrictions. Results will be posted to the event website after each session, and updates will be posted on Facebook and Instagram throughout the event.