Bevan Cheatley was straight back into business when the new Wanganui Cycling Club season got under way on Saturday.
After a six-week break, racing resumed around the Eastown circuit with the A and B graders competing over five laps, covering 45km.
The C-grade field raced over two circuits for 18km, with both races being mass-start events.
Cheatley was one of 20 riders who fronted up for the main event, in cold, wet conditions.
In slippery conditions the first couple of laps were relatively calm as competitors rediscovered their racing legs and treated the corners with caution.
As they warmed up, the pace increased and the usual flurry of attacks began.
Youngster James Wright was keen, Adrian Pettit pushed regularly and Paul Forrest covered the breaks.
Darcy Forrester looked fit, while Jason Sturzaker and Cheatley himself did plenty of time on the front.
Despite the action no one seriously threatened to go clear, although Pettit and strongman Pat Johnstone created a gap that briefly looked ominous on Kaimatira Rd until the pack reacted and shut them down before the turn back on to the main road.
As the field straightened on State Highway 4, Richard Stanton attacked and enjoyed a couple of kilometres in the lead before he too was brought to heel.
Stanton had only returned from a four-month stint working in China last week, but he has been clocking up mileage while overseas and will quickly return to top form.
Just before the turn on to Rangitikei St, teenager Lewis Bunker went clear in the hope of catching the field napping.
Cheatley had things under control though, and waited until the finishing straight to unleash his effort, accompanied by Adam Gosney. These two overhauled Bunker in sight of the line and went on to finish first and second respectively, with the Bunker holding off the charge of the peloton to claim a well-earned third place.
In the line-up for fourth, Bunker's training partner Boaz Darby got his wheel across the line just ahead of Forrester with Wright rounding out the top six.
The dedicated Dean Blackwell won the C-grade race over two circuits, outsprinting Steve Carle after these two had set out to chase down breakaway youngster Damien Hussey early on lap two. Hussey faded, leaving the two senior riders to battle it out.
Peter Chapman out-toughed the bunch behind to claim third, with Debbie Cain putting in her usual strenuous effort to finish fourth.
Twelve-year-old Hamish Beissel, making his road race debut, put in a notable effort to finish fifth ahead of Hussey. Beissel is a younger brother of accomplished rider Duncan Appleton and could be a name to watch.
Results
A and B Grade: 1. Bevan Cheatley (fastest time 1.13:38); 2. Adam Gosney; 3. Lewis Bunker.
C Grade: 1. Dean Blackwell (fastest time 38.49); 2. Steve Carle; 3. Peter Chapman.