Anderson remains in the hunt

Velo Ronny's Trek team members Gary Anderson and Adrian Pettit break away in race three in the Masters 2 section of the North Island Series on Sunday, won by Anderson. Photo/ Di Chesmar

Whanganui's Velo Ronny's Trek cycling team remain in the hunt with two races left in the North Island Team Series.

Team member Gary Anderson won the third race near Masterton on Sunday which puts him in second place, close enough to haul in the series leader over the remaining to races.

Meanwhile, the Velo Ronny's Trek team sit third equal in the masters 2 section of the series.
Manager Ron Cheatley said it had been a successful series so far for the Whanganui team.

"These guys are not at elite level but it's probably the most competitive section in the series. It's a lot more competitive than masters 1," he said.

Cheatley said Anderson was in the hunt to take the individual title with two rounds to go.

It was hoped he would have a strong race four with included a climb up the Admirals Hill on November 12 and then be in a position to push for the title in the final race of the five-leg series.

"With a bit of luck he might be able to nab the lead," Cheatley said.

He said the team may struggle to finish on top but were improving with each race.

"Basically the points are based on the third guy across the line. We always have a couple up there but it's always a challenge to get the third guy up."

It is the team's third season in the series. After winning it in the first year the team fell back last year as competitiveness of the masters 2 stepped up.

But Cheatley said they were fighting back.

"I think they're learning to race better," Cheatley said.

"These guys are really mainly used to doing just local club racing. It's to adapt and learn how to race as a team."

The final two round will be held in Wairarapa on November 12 and December 4.