Rain or shine, riders are here for fun

Whakatane's Dennis Sax competing at the Westpac velodrome for the track leg of the cycling

There was some anxious eyes looking to the heavens at the Wanganui velodrome yesterday afternoon as the track racing component of the Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games cycling module got underway.

Around 70 riders were eager to contest the scratch and sprint races, however the bursts of rain meant they would have to stop for intervals for safety reasons on the wooden track.

At his 10th Masters Games, Whakatane Cycling Club's Dennis Sax had arrived that day and was feeling the pace of racing at the velodrome as he pulled out a 44.17s lap on his first try.

"I'm sure I was in the 35-age group when I first came down. I think I should retire."

Like the others, he will also be taking part in the time trial today and the road race tomorrow.

But whatever the weather does, Sax and his mates were all ready for the fun in the village under the big tent. "That's what we came down for."