Games to be wheelie proud of

A SEA of flowers and a spectacular coastline greeted more than 100 cyclists on day five of Australian Masters Games in the North West.

A cycling time trial event on the Old Coast Rd between Ulverstone and Penguin attracted national and international entrants, along with local identities including former mountain bike champion John Gregory and building industry heavyweight and Australian Masters Games chairman Royce Fairbrother.

Both claimed medals in the 14.8km out-and-back race.

Mr Gregory won gold in the men’s individual trial in the 45-49 age group and Mr Fairbrother bronze in the 60-64 category. “It’s a great little challenging course, I’ve never raced it before,’’ Mr Gregory said before heading out.

“The fitness is pretty good, but I did compete in mountain biking on the weekend which does take some time to recover from.”

The 16th Australian Masters Games is drawing to a

I’m just so excited because I think overall the Games has come together so well. Royce Fairbrother, Masters Games chairman

close after almost a week of competition across northern Tasmania.

About 5000 competitors from around Australia have tested their skill and fitness across more than 40 sports.

And the athletes and their families have filled hotels and motels, restaurants and stores.

The event is expected to inject about $12 million into the region’s economy and generate repeat visitations by those who have toured Tasmania for the first time.

The event will finish with a bang with Skyfields, featuring the Hoodoo Gurus, being staged at West Park tomorrow night.

Mr Fairbrother said the Masters Games had been a success.

“Look, I’m just so excited because I think overall the Games has come together so well and from all the feedback I’ve had from participants and volunteers everyone is enjoy- ing themselves,” he said.

He has been overwhelmed by the local support.

“Even from the Games Opening which lifted my expectations up another level for the week and the weather has just been so kind to us,” he said.

In yesterday’s cycling, Rochelle Hammond, of Burnie, and Anthea White, of Devonport, were among the youngest on the road which winds past the Three Sisters and Goat islands.

Ms White won gold in the 30-34 year age category with a time of 24mins.30secs. She also claimed mountain biking gold earlier in the week.