Cyclist returns to Wanganui

Palmerston North's Megan Blatchford-Peck returns to the Wanganui velodrome for another games, and this time, she brings three newcomers who have been training with her and local coach Lyall Haistie.

Blatchford-Peck has been a highly competitive New Zealand track rider for years and a consistent visitor to Wanganui and its velodrome.

She says she's sticking to what she knows best.

``I've entered the track cycling events only at the NZMG, as I believe in specialising ... even though there are some really interesting cycling events, like the grass 300m straight line sprint and the Cemetery Circuit 1.5km Time Trial.

``I compete at the New Zealand Masters Games just every two years when they are in Wanganui. We so are lucky that this event is located in Wanganui which has New Zealand's No 1 outdoor velodrome.

``And apart from focusing on my own goals for 2013 Masters Games, I have been on a mission to encourage more masters women to give track cycling a go. I know of at least three women who will be competing for the first time on the track at these games,'' said Blatchford-Peck.

``There have been men who have done this before, but never women.''

The newcomers are Tara Allerton (New Plymouth) and Palmerston North's Sheralee Cleland and Pania Hudon.

Blatchford-Peck says the Masters is highly important in giving the older athlete competitive chances _ a well as the social part of the games.

``And having the World Masters in New Zealand in 2017 is another motivating factor,'' she said.-->