Johnstone provides masterful display

TOP 3: Pat Johnstone, right, road to third place in the North Island Series stage in Masterton on Saturday with Rob Kilvington and David Meo.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Velo Ronny's Trek team member Pat Johnstone showed a powerful display of hill climbing strength to get third place on the fourth stage of the Team Trust North Island Series in Masterton on Saturday.

Riding for the Wanganui-based team in the Masters 2 event, Johnstone was up against many riders a lot younger than himself.

Team manager Ron Cheatley said Johnstone earned the comment from race director Jorge Sandoval that his performance was the 'Ride of the Day'.

The 82km race took in four major climbs with the finish at the top of the 12km Admirals Hill.

"Despite a number of attempted breakaways, including teammate Gary Anderson, the race came back together at the foot of the final climb," said Cheatley.

"With 1km to go there was only the series leader David Meo, Rob Kilvington and Johnstone left at the front of the 50 rider field, with Meo taking the final sprint to the line."

The Velo Ronny's Trek team of Johnstone, Anderson, Paul Forrest, Adrian Pettit and Steve Cowan placed fourth in the team section.

The North Island Series is in its second season, with the final race on December 5.