Accused Ironman road rage attacker to face high court

The attack happened on Broadlands Rd, near Taupo. The rider was flown to Rotorua Hospital. Photo / Greenlea rescue helicopter

A young farmer accused of assaulting an Ironman cyclist in February during an alleged road rage attack has had his case transferred to the High Court.

Joseph Arthur Frederick Roberts, 22, is charged with injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to Alasdair Slade on February 25 this year.

Mr Slade suffered pelvic injuries and a broken collarbone during a training ride near Taupo on February 25.

Police said a ute going in the opposite direction to Mr Slade had passed another vehicle.

Mr Slade believed the ute came too close to him and made a finger gesture to the driver.

Roberts is alleged to have turned the ute back, passed Mr Slade, got out of the vehicle and pushed him off his bike.

From his hospital bed, Mr Slade later said: "Every cyclist has a bullseye on his butt.''

The case was called in the Taupo District Court today but Roberts was excused from appearing. He will now appear in the High Court at Rotorua on June 6.