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The legs might not push the pedals quite as quickly but the competitive juices are flowing as freely as ever for many riders in the inaugural Lion Foundation Wellington to Auckland 7-Day Cycle Challenge.
The brainchild of former top road rider Stephen Cox, the race attracted almost 100 entries with almost all ready to tackle today's last two stages from Hamilton to Pukekohe.
It was, Cox emphasises, never envisaged to challenge the Tour of Southland or Jorge Sandoval's Tour of Wellington as an elite race but he does not discount that in the future.
"I have an open mind," said Cox, who, on behalf of the Waka-Roc Sports Club, has organised 82 races since turning his back on a successful competitive career. "If we get 30 or so elite riders who are keen to race we will certainly accommodate them."
But, Cox insists, he will not be swayed away from the prime objective of putting on a race for all age groups to enjoy.
"The elite riders could mean there will be changes. We would look at prizemoney and perhaps extend the length of the stages for them. As an example, on the stage to Ohakune we might take the elite group up to the Turoa ski field and the next day race them to the Top of The Bruce.
"But it will not be a race for teams. It will stay a race for individuals in the same way the early Dulux races were," said Cox. "We are not worried how many riders want to race. We can easily double the field to 200 and even have an elite component on top of that."
Cox has been praised from all sections in this inaugural venture.
Three-time Dulux winner Blair Stockwell, back from Brisbane, is enthusiastic and has already said he will be back.
"Coxy puts on a great race," said Stockwell. "I am confident next year I will bring 20 riders across with me to ride. We already come over once a year for a one-stage race in Christchurch but this is better."
Several past internationals, including Stockwell, Jack and Stephen Swart, Stephen Carton, Russell Nant, Leigh Chapman and Eric O'Brien have all enjoyed the experience.
Cox will hold a post-race briefing but says the race has not thrown up too many issues.
"I will never veer away from what we set out to achieve," he said. "We want to make it as enjoyable as possible but at the same time give the age group or masters' cyclists an insight into what tour racing is all about."
Among the field are former athletes, including 1996 Atlanta Olympic sprinter Mathew Coad and former Auckland and New Zealand Athletics president John Cornaga who has been riding for 12 years.
He is among a group of about 15-20 who Cox sends away ahead of the main field each morning to ensure they are not left alone for too long in making it to the stage finishes.
Heading into today's final two stages, Matt Gorter continues to have a stranglehold on the race after winning yesterday's short stage into Hamilton.
Earlier in the day, Jack Swart gave the field a reminder of his past abilities when he powered away to lead the way into Te Awamutu, 68.5km after leaving Mangakino.
