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Age is just a number, and this man proved it right! On a memorable Sunday, an 86-year-old man etched his name in the annals of cycling history by becoming the oldest participant! In a world where wrinkles are often mistaken for roadmaps and grey hair is considered a badge of wisdom, there emerges a beacon of hope, pedaling through life with the tenacity of a teenager hopped up on energy drinks.

Just three days short of his 86th birthday, Brian Hygate’s determination and passion for cycling have captured him in the limelight. Let us delve into this article to explore the extraordinary journey of this seasoned cyclist, highlighting his dedication, training regimen, and unwavering commitment to continue cycling till his 100th birthday.

Brian Hygate’s pedalling love story

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Brian’s journey in cycling began an astounding 75 years ago when his brother presented him with a bicycle. This pivotal moment sparked a lifelong affair with the sport, demonstrating that true passion knows no age. His remarkable achievement is a testament to his unwavering determination and rigorous training regimen.

To prepare his body for the demanding challenges of competitive cycling, Brian covers an impressive 150-200 miles each week. He also actively participates in time trials at his local club, Fareham Wheelers. In Brian’s own words, his recent achievement at the Monsal Hill Climb didn’t exactly go as planned. While speaking to Cycling Weekly he stated, “It didn’t go exactly according to plan”. “I was aiming to do the whole hill in one go, but I paused in the middle because I just ran out of oomph.” “When I got to the top, I realised I hadn’t actually engaged the bottom gear.”

“I tried road racing in my younger days and realised that I didn’t really adapt to the change of pace,” he says. “Cyclo-cross is all much too hard for me. I can’t run, anyway. If you saw me running, you’d know why I ride a bike.”

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The 86-year-old doesn’t want to stop soon and wants to ride till his 100th birthday.

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“I make the promise, and it’s rather boring to everyone else who’s heard it before, that on my 100th birthday, I plan to ride 100. It probably won’t be miles. I doubt if it will be kilometres. I wouldn’t mind if it’s only yards, but it will be 100 of something.” 

Brian’s endurance knows no boundaries

Brian is an inspiration to many cyclists out there. He recently rode 182 miles in 12 hours as a part of a timed event. He makes it clear age does not matter to him: “I’m just a bloke who rides a bike, and I happen to be 85 years old,” says Hygate, who celebrates his 86th birthday today. “I don’t feel as though I’m that old, although I did halfway up Monsal Hill.”  

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Brian Hyagate’s journey in cycling is a testament to the limitless potential of the human spirit. As we look ahead, we eagerly anticipate Brian’s journey towards his 100th birthday, confident that he will continue to redefine what is possible in the world of cycling. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below!

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