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90-Year-Old Frenchman Sets a New Hour Record for His Age Group

By WeLoveCycling

Back in the 1950s, René Gaillard raced at the highest level against the likes of Tour de France winners Fausto Coppi, Hugo Koblet, and Ferdinand Kübler. Now 90 years old, the cycling enthusiast never gave up his passion and managed to set a new Hour Record for his age group, riding 29.278km, just over 117 laps at the French national velodrome in St Quentin en Yvelines near Paris.

A number of fans from his home region arrived to cheer him on along the way. “I went after my dream. I am satisfied, I have not disappointed my supporters,” the member of the Cyclosport Club de Vesoul said after completing his record-breaking ride.

The masters Hour Record has become fairly popular recently, with 105-year-old Robert Marchand setting a new record in January this year. The French cycling phenomenon previously held a record in the 100-104 category and forced the UCI to create the 105+ category. He rode an astonishing 22.547km.

Gaillard is the first 90-year-old to attempt the Hour Record, which means a new category of 90-94 needs to be created. Plus he is already talking about taking the 95-99 record as well.
Hats off to you and keep pedalling, sir!