Robinson back in the saddle

TWO GOLDS, ONE SILVER: Evergreen cyclist Neil Robinson. 2014 file picture

CYCLING

VETERAN Gisborne cyclist Neil Robinson ended the New Zealand Masters Games in Whanganui with two gold medals and one silver.

He started with victory in the 20-kilometre time trial in the 75-to-79 age group on Friday, and followed that with silver in the 1.6-kilometre hill climb on Saturday and gold in the road race yesterday.

Robinson said he was beaten into second place in the hill climb by longtime rival Laurence Sunde, of Whanganui.

“Over many years of clashes with Laurence, this was the first time he’s defeated me . . . retribution, he said to me.”

Robinson said it had taken time for him to find his “climbing legs” after some time off the cycling scene, but he improved with each ride and was happy with the silver medal.

Over 20 riders in three age groups (70 to 74, 75 to 79 and 80-plus) raced together in the four 11km laps of the road race.

“Each lap had a really good climb and the pressure was on each time up the hill, with over half the field shed during the climb,” Robinson, 77, said.

“I had my climbing legs on and was feeling good coming into the finish. Ten of us lined up for the dash to the line and I managed fourth, but was first rider in my age group, which gave me the gold.

“My good friend Laurence came home for another silver.”