"It always seems to be the same bunch you meet every time."
As previously, his strengths were on the running sections, while trying to maintain his spot on the bike.
Slightly cooler weather with the cloud cover was perfect for him.
"It's like a turbo in a car, your system seems to respond a lot more."
Now in the 55-plus class, Spiers restricts himself to training for 2-3 events a year, sticking close to home.
As an administrator himself, he would have liked to see more people competing, but understood it was an expensive proposition for those who had to travel longer distances than him to take part.
Not missing Masters for the world was expat Robbie Clark.
Having lived on the Gold Coast for the 25 years, Clark returns to Masters every two years to compete and visit family.
He won't miss out on any action - entering other events like the 10km marathon, 6km cross country, 2km swim and the triathlon.
It means lots of ice and spas back at the games village, where he will also join the night festivities.
Even with the mental enthusiasm, it still took a bit for the body to get on board.
"When you take off, it's hard to get your breathing right," Clark said.
"It's a good [duathlon] race though. Good course, good people, that's why I'm here."
Phillipa Baker-Hogan would have been pleased to hear it.
As a Games Company appointment from the Wanganui District Council, the former world rowing champion had entered the morning race in a mixed team with husband Shaun.
"Apart from the Billy Webb, it's the only thing I compete with these days.
"It's fitness and a bit of family fun.
"I really went out a bit fast, I forget the body's 25 years older than it used to be."
Multisport will continue today, with the infamous Stair Racing up Durie Hill, followed by the triathlon this coming Saturday.
