It was a brilliant start for Taree-based Mathiske, who has joined the Tamworth cycling team and was having his first ride in their colours.

It also previewed what will be a big four days in Ballarat for the TBGJTF Tamworth team.

Mathiske was racing in the Masters 2 division (35 to 40 years) at Griffith and after just three kilometres he joined a very early three man break-away which was not caught by the peloton.

After a 99 kilometre escape, Mathiske crossed the line alone to win his very first race with his team.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Mathiske said from Griffith. 

“As the newest rider in the team I was hoping to ride well in my first race for the team but a gold medal is a huge plus.” 

Mathiske’s team-mate Phil Kelaher rode brilliantly back in the peloton in support of Mathiske’s 99 kilometre break-away.

Team Manager Ray Griffin said the plan worked perfectly.

“We had several options but our first was for Glenn to make sure he got himself into any early breaks and see what happens,” Griffin said.

“He did exactly what I asked him to do and his ride was flawless – he did everything perfectly and Phil executed his role to the letter back in the bunch. It was a gutsy 99km break-away and great start to our state championships.”

Ray Griffin also successfully defended his 2013 NSW Masters 5 Individual Time Trial Championship victory with a win in the 2014 event at Griffith. 

The time trial was held over 18.2 kilometres and featured a four kilometre uphill final section into a headwind. 

Griffin, whose road race and criterium races at the championship saw him placed seventh and fifth after being heavily marked as a pre-championship favourite, was glad to have won the “race of truth”.

“I needed this – in the road and crit races I couldn’t move without being marked but in the time trial it’s just each rider against the clock and the elements.”

The team now races in Australian Masters Championships being held at Ballarat in Victoria commencing with today’s 22km individual time trial for Griffin.