“If I Cannot Race, Perhaps I Shall”: 89-Year-Old British Cycling Champion Shows No Signs of Ending His Career Soon

Published 10/21/2023, 2:48 PM EDT

At the age of 89, Britain’s oldest cycling champion, affectionately known as Wally, is showing no signs of slowing down. Just this month, he triumphed in an over-80s 2km sprint race, leaving younger competitors in the dust with a remarkable finishing time of 3 minutes and 17 seconds.

Wally’s journey into the world of cycling dates back to 1949 when, at the age of 15, he first pedaled his way into this passion. He has since pedaled through countless roads and tracks across the globe. It’s safe to say he’s probably Britain’s most seasoned competitive track cyclist.

A cyclist who does not know the words “give up”

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In 2019, he stood out as truly newsworthy by breaking records in a 60-minute drawn-out perseverance race for the 85-89 age class, covering a great 34.602km (around 21.5 miles) at the Geraint Thomas Velodrome in Grains. And just recently, on October 7, he secured one more triumph in the 2km pursuit occasion at the 2023 World Master Track Titles in Manchester.

But for Wally, it’s not about just winning races; it’s about the pure joy of cycling. “My parents had no money during the Second World War, and I didn’t have a bike until after the war ended,” he recalls. “But once I had one, I couldn’t get enough of it. I must have pedaled over a million miles in my lifetime, and I’ve cherished every one of them.”

Wally’s passion for cycling runs deep, and it’s more than just a sport for him; it’s a way of life. “Now, more than 70 years later, life wouldn’t be normal or even acceptable if I couldn’t, for any reason, ride my bike,” he says. “It’s nice to race, but winning is not a necessity. Every amateur cyclist knows the value of the journey, even if they finish last. It’s a good life.“

His dedication to cycling is a tribute to his late wife, Margaret, who supported his cycling endeavors for half a century until her passing in 2014. Determined to continue racing and riding in her memory, Wally plans to keep competing well into his 90s.

As he turns 90 next April, Wally has his sights set on a new challenge: breaking the world record for the one-hour endurance test for the over-90s category.

Wally’s fitness level at 89

He describes it as a mental and physical test, one that he’s proven he can excel in, even against competitors decades younger than him. “When you find that rhythm during the test, it becomes almost automatic. I try to keep going, not push too hard at the start, and maintain a steady speed throughout.“

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However, it was at the age of 74 that he felt a calling to compete once more. “I was still fit at 74, but I wondered if I was good enough for track racing. When I resumed in the ’70s, it was in touring,” he reflects.

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Exercise has always been a cornerstone of Wally’s life. “I do it every day, half an hour each day. It’s essential for maintaining a healthy body and preventing injuries,” he explains.

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Wally’s unwavering dedication to cycling, his competitive spirit, and his incredible achievements make him an inspiration. Anyone seeking good health and fitness in their later years will get great motivation from Wally. His accomplishments on the world-class cycle track in Manchester are a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the joy of the ride.

Watch this story: At 104 Chicagos Fearless Dorothy Hoffner Skydives Into the Record Books Then Gracefully Exits the Stage

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Written by:

Naman Singh is a writer at EssentiallySports who covers Viral Sports Moments. His arsenal is well-rounded and he surely knows how to keep the readers engaged. Naman is interested in covering live events, as well as the off-court drama that comes with it.

Edited by:

Stefan Thomas

“If I Cannot Race, Perhaps I Shall”: 89-Year-Old British Cycling Champion Shows No Signs of Ending His Career Soon

A cyclist who does not know the words “give up”

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Wally’s fitness level at 89