Matt Goode scored a convincing win in the Wanganui Cycling Club's A-grade road race over four laps of the Brunswick Rd-Western Line circuit on Saturday.
It is a 44km course on which he has previously shown good form and his victory halted Bevan Cheatley's winning streak - the latter having cleaned up the first three races of the new season including the John Taylor Memorial and last weekend's Ross Cup.
Apart from youngster Boaz Derby, who pulled the pin early on, the rest of the 11-strong A-grade bunch stayed largely intact until the final climb of the Western Line ascent on lap four.
Derby's training mate Lewis Bunker attacked at that point and got a gap.
Goode, who had been riding comfortably all day, then bridged across to the youngster down Lilybank Rd, as the duo quickly started to work together to build their lead.
Taking advantage of a lack of urgency in the pack behind them the two front-runners kept the pace on and inside the last 5km got out to an unassailable lead of about 30 seconds.
Approaching the finish, Goode showed his strength and drew out to a four-second win over Bunker, who held on well for a clear cut second place.
About 25 seconds behind Bunker, Jason Sturzaker won the bunch sprint for third, with Brian Scrimshaw close up in fourth spot.
Adam Gosney was next in, just ahead of Pat Johnstone who rounded out the top six.
In the B-grade race over the same distance, eight of the 10 riders stayed together throughout and it was Steve Cowan who called on his renowned fast finish to outsprint Paul Forrest for the win.
Forrest, who had climbed well, held off veteran Allan Luff who put in a tough display to claim third place.
Darcy Forrester, who is steadily improving with racing, battled on well for fourth with Marcia Goode - mother of Matt - doing very well to nail down fifth spot.
Catherine McMurray also flew the flag for the women with a close-up sixth.
The 10 C-graders raced 33km over three laps of the course.
The first four drew away from their rivals on the final circuit and knuckled down to fight out the finish.
Ashley Christie, who was having his first race for the club, prevailed in the sprint.
The local mechanic clearly has some ability on the bike and will be one to watch in this grade over coming weeks.
Tim Chambers, who is getting back to some good form, was a close second and Cherie Prince put in an excellent ride for third.
Laurence Sunde, tough as ever, was right there in fourth.