John Woodburn still racing aged 71
I often race against John Woodburn (b.1937), John was National 25 mile time trial champion in 1961. He is still racing, 47 years later at the age of 71. John is one example of many who are able to keep cycling into old age. He regularly breaks the hour for a 25 mile time trial, sometimes by several minutes. His times are impressive for a cyclist of any age. But, to get his times at the age of 71 is doubly impressive. John holds many age related records. Aged 70, he set a time of 21.48 for a 10 mile TT. (Men’s solo age records)
The good thing about cycling is that it is relatively low impact on joints and so makes an excellent form of exercise for those who might find walking / running difficult. Another local rider, who I often see out is Ken Lansbury of Oxford City RC. Ken is in his 80s (but doesn’t look it); we often seem him riding to help out at races.
I hope I will still be cycling into my 80s….
Jeannie Longo – Aged 49
Worth mentioning Jeannie Longo, who aged 49, has booked her place at the Beijing Olympics with victory in the French National trials. She has competed in every Olympics since women were admitted.
Do you know of any other interesting stories of older people who keep cycling?
Please remember the National Cycle Museum, in Llandrindod Wells, MId Wales, needs your support..
It is a charity run by trustees and is the leading bicycle museum in the UK.
Please see http://www.cyclemuseum.org.uk
Donations very welcome
Freda- job share curator
i have recently subscribed to tejvan pettingers newsletter site & just learned about woodies superlative performancies being a time trialist ( ex ) myself from the ( 50s& 60s ) up north manchester ( i am now 69 yrs old & live in australia ) i can only truly marvel at johns times for his age he must think he is back in the 60s had it not been for my heart attack i would also be racing & not just training long live john o b e nomination !!! & long live cycling jonty
27th Oct Steyning W.Sussex Brighton Mitre 25. Woodie came 8th beating some of the best riders in Sussex, the event won by Richard Preeble in 56 mins, John wasnt that far behind. Consumate professional, dedicated to a sport he has been up with the best for the last 50 years. Still beating men a qtr of his age. Allez Allez Woodie.