CHARLIE Gascoyne became the first cyclist to be named Orange Credit Union’s Sportsperson of the Year on Saturday night.

Gascoyne was selected as the 2007 senior winner after winning a world masters title. He won the annual award ahead of an elite list of finalists including previous winners Jason Belmonte (tenpin bowling) and Dean Brus (pistol shooting).

Gascoyne said he didn’t expect to win the major prize.

“I was very surprised. I thought I would just come along and have a nice night out,” Gascoyne laughed.

“We were running a bit of a book on our table on who would win. I was backing Dean Brus in. I thought I might be mid-field.”

At the 2007 World Masters Games Gascoyne won the men’s 40-44 years scratch race, an event which was using as a warm-up for the points race.

He crashed out in his preferred points race but hopes to change that result this year when he competes again in the World Masters in Sydney.

“I still want the points race. I have unfinished business,” he said.

“It’s not going to be as easy. When you win a world title, it’s like you have a target on you after that. I’ve had to be a lot more patient and use my poker face.”

Gascoyne will race in a green and gold suit this year after securing a top three placing at the Australian Masters event in the men’s 40-44 years points race.

l Marathon runner Kate Smyth and pistol shooter Dean Brus were inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday night, full story tomorrow.