Chasing a Dream: Wayne's Journey to the 2025 Masters Track World Championships.

Wayne Mason is our Lead Retail Operations & Development Manager.

This project began as nothing more than a casual chat on a local bunch ride some eight years ago. A racing buddy and I tossed around the idea of one day heading to the Masters Track World Championships - it sounded ambitious, maybe even a bit unrealistic back then. But as with many things in cycling, once the seed was planted, it just kept growing.

It took six years for the stars to align, but by early 2024, a real plan started to take shape. The goal was clear: build a team pursuit squad capable of heading to Roubaix and taking home the world title.

The project really began to gain traction in early 2025. We first partnered with Justin at Velo Performance NZ, then later with Dan at ReHub NZ, to refine our bike fit and dial in our overall position. From there, we took things even further, teaming up with Dave at 18Sixty8 to design custom skinsuits that ensured we were as slippery through the air as possible. The highlight of this whole process was getting us all together at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome with Dave, Dan and Lucas to test and collect data to ensure we were as aerodynamic as we possibly could be. This for me was the moment the project really started to take shape.

On a personal level I wanted to explore what I could do with my own bike to get some further gains. After discussion with the crew here at Velobike it became clear that moving to an 11/128" drivetrain over my old 1/8” set up was the next logical step. The efficiency gains as well as weight saved truly helped me move the needle.

To bring everything together, we worked closely with Craig and the team at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome in Cambridge to arrange monthly training camps. These sessions were crucial - they allowed us to fine-tune our changes and strategy, develop trust, and become a well-drilled team pursuit unit. Every camp brought us one step closer to Roubaix, both physically and mentally.

Belgium Bound

We all arrived in Europe several weeks before Worlds and based ourselves in Ghent, where we made use of the Ghent Velodrome and the fantastic local road loops. For many of us, this trip was as much about soaking up the rich cycling history of Flanders, Roubaix, and the surrounding regions as it was about racing. Riding the same roads that legends have battled over for generations was something truly special.

Roubaix - Time to Deliver

Once we arrived in Roubaix, it was down to business. With a small but determined squad of 13 Kiwis and an incredible support team behind us, we were ready to give it everything. To say we punched above our weight would be an understatement - the team came away with an incredible 22 medals over the course of the event: 10 Gold, 5 Silver, and 7 Bronze. The highlight for me was standing on the top step of the podium, with my team mates as World Champion’s in the Team Pursuit. The team was in such great hands with Coach Ferg and Eddie looking after our every need. We got onto that start line for the final knowing we’d done everything possible and that we had all the finer details dialled.

Business Meets Passion

This trip wasn’t just about racing - there was also an exciting business element. Our UK retail partner Tony Brooks from Brooks Cycles was present in Roubaix, and it was fantastic to connect with him in person and see firsthand the amazing work he’s doing representing our brand. 

The event also provided a brilliant opportunity to meet many of our Velobike and Altias customers from around the world. Seeing our products proudly displayed on so many competitors’ bikes was an incredible moment of pride - a real reminder of how far the brand has come and how strong our global community is becoming.

Reflections

The whole experience is one I’ll never forget - from early morning solo training sessions back home, to the months of preparation, to training and racing on the hallowed boards of Roubaix. It was the culmination of years of planning, sacrifice, and support from so many incredible people and organisations.

The list of those who helped me and the wider team is far too long to name, but without their support, this project simply wouldn’t have happened.

Will I be back next year for another crack? 

I certainly hope so.

And if Masters Track Worlds are on your bucket list - follow it through. The level of racing is high, the atmosphere is amazing, and there’s nothing quite like representing your country in your chosen sport, racing against others in your own age group. I can absolutely see why people go back year after year.