SPOT the old timer in the Vennell Coaching BP Cycling HB team which will tackle next week's Tour of Southland.
Yes it's Central Hawke's Bay 47-year-old John Mudgway, the father of world champion Luke Mudgway who will be racing for Southland-based team Barry Stewart Builders, in the 60th edition of the 120-rider, 20-team tour, which begins tomorrow and finishes next Saturday.
He will be joined by Ben Earnshaw, 32, who will be competing in the tour for the third time, Nicolas Monroy, competing for the second time and three tour rookies - 18-year-olds Sam Thorpe-Loversuch and Jack Carruthers, and 19-year-old Shamus Christison.
"While developing our youngsters so they are ready for the next level is a priority we are really keen to give John a crack at winning the silver jersey in the 35 and over age group," Earnshaw said.
He believed the Coronet Peak stage could prove a key one in their quest.