50 FASTER AT

WE ALL KNOW THAT WINE GETS BETTER WITH AGE, could the same be said for cyclists? As the famous bard (who had nothing to do with cycling) William Shakespeare once said, “THAT is the question!’’

Specifically, is it possible to get faster, go further and ride harder over the age of 50? How hard can you train? Can you win races? Can you train to go faster than you could before that big birthday bash signified the beginning of “middle age’’? Can you start cycling at 50 and be competitive?

The answer to all the above, according to the riders, coach and sports scientist interviewed for this article, is a resounding “yes’’.

In fact, it appears there are a whole of rewards for those who keep riding into or take up cycling in their fifties.

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE SCIENCE

Exercise physiologist, former sports scientist, former research fellow at the AIS, ACT Academy of Sport and keen recreational mountain biker in her 50s, Kate Greenwood, says anyone can improve at any age.

Her advice for over 50s in