Cycling medals for Hugh Gray

Empire Bay local Hugh Gray has returned from the World Masters Games in New Zealand with four bronze medals in cycling.

Mr Gray has been in love with the sport since his brother first introduced him to the Masters Games at Homebush Bay 20 years ago.

"From my first race, I was hooked.

"I won my first medal in 1999 on the track.

"I love competing and I love speed," Mr Gray said.

According to Mr Gray, the Masters Games are a friendly event open to all cyclists but attract some of the highest calibre athletes in the sport.

This year's Games were held in Auckland and Cambridge, with the former hosting the road events and the later the track events, with the whole program ranging from April 22-30.

Mr Gray secured his first bronze of the 2017 Games in the criterium on the road and secured his other three on the track in the individual pursuit, points race and sprint events.

Mr Gray is a member of the Central Coast Cycling Club and a veteran of the Games having competed in Melbourne in 2002 and Sydney in 2009.

"I ride regularly around the Coast not for fitness but training for the Games, where you're up against world class cyclists is a true test of your ability," Mr Gray said.

"This year I raced against former Olympians and Commonwealth Games athletes and I felt immensely proud to be representing my club and country," he said.

Since returning to Empire Bay, Mr Gray has no plans to slow down this Winter.

He has already begun his preparations for the World Masters Track Cycling Championships in Los Angeles this October.

SOURCE:

Interview, 10 May 2017

Hugh Gray, Empire Bay

Reporter: Dilon Luke