I am a world champion, once and for all! From October 5 to 12, the World Championships for Masters took place at the indoor STAB velodrome in Roubaix, divided into five-year age categories. The program included scratch, points race, sprint, pursuit, and the 500-1000 meter (depending on age).
During my student years, I was introduced to the velodrome (aka the track). In the blessed year of 1979, I became the Belgian omnium champion among students at the Kuipke in Ghent, a fantastic 166-meter velodrome with super steep turns (most velodromes are 250 meters long). Eight years ago (at the age of 57), when I resumed competitive cycling, I immediately returned to the track as well. At the World Championships in Manchester, I finished fifth in the scratch race (a type of road race on the track: starting together and trying to be the first to cross the finish line).
Photo: the track bike with which I won the Belgian Championships. © Salla Seppänen
Last year, as the oldest in my category, I couldn’t advance due to too small a gear and a bike that didn’t allow for a good aerodynamic position. You have to learn from setbacks...
Since then, I bought a new bike, did strength training on rollers with the help of my coach Jonas (pushing myself to the limit...), and drove my electric car to Anadia, Portugal, for a week of training under the guidance of British specialists. I also trained several times in Roubaix, participated in a few races, and did a training camp in Roubaix a month ago. Two weeks ago, I went to Gelderland to train in a high-altitude room at Woest. When an opportunity arises, you have to seize it: I would start as the youngest in my age category (65-69), the World Championships were practically around the corner, and I could train on the new track in Zolder (40 km from my hometown).
On October 7, I was ready. The scratch race began. I couldn’t feel my legs (with 55*14, that’s no easy feat), I reacted perfectly to every move in the group, never rode outside the top ten (out of 24 participants from all continents), and with 300 meters to go, I surged past everyone. Euphoria! World champion!! Tim, a fellow countryman who also competed in the World Championships and came to the track specifically to support me, and his wife were shouting themselves hoarse. Podium, jersey, medal, everything that comes with it. A childhood dream come true at 65!
I’m not a natural talent in cycling. In the World Championships on the road, I usually finish between 40th and 50th place (out of around 120 participants). My real talents are in languages (at my peak, I spoke seven, now five) and coaching small professional teams. But the velodrome is my great passion. This year, I fell three times (on the road), and each time I had to recover and fight my way back. Perseverance and dedication can take you far. Sisu, as the Finns say, with thanks to my wonderful Finnish partner.
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