Wanganui cycling commentator Marty Hewson is used to calling big events, but Saturday will be the first time he's had royal listeners.
Mr Hewson will be the commentator at the official opening of the Avantidrome cycling centre in Cambridge, an event to be attended by Prince William and Catherine, theDuchess of Cambridge.
"Part of the programme for the opening includes races on the track, and my role is to commentate for those races," Mr Hewson said.
He has been commentating for about 15 years, but this event will be special.
The invitation, from Auckland cycle commentator Del Woodford, was a surprise.
He already has experience of the Avantidrome as he was the commentator at the World Track Championships in March.
Marty Hewson with members of the New Zealand sprint team - Eddie Dawkins, Ethan Mitchell and Sam Webster - at the World Track Championships in March. Photo/Supplied
He has been a keen cyclist for years, and he got into commentary through his mentors, Warwick Funnell and Grant McKinnon.
Mr Hewson has commentated at the Wanganui Velodrome since it opened, as well as a variety of other events throughout the country. Highlights in his career include the Oceania Games in Invercargill in 2008, and a World Cup event in Wellington in 2003.
"I remember that because Sarah Ulmer blitzed the field."
One of his favourite regular events is the New Zealand schools cycling champs, held during three days in Levin and Feilding.
"I've commentated that for the past nine years, and it's a favourite."
Mr Hewson admitted cycle commentating was his passion.
"I absolutely love it. Commentators are there to entertain, inform and educate, and it's our job to find a balance between those."
Mr Hewson said he was very grateful to his employer, Dempsey and Forrest, for allowing him time off to attend events.
