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How appropriate that this year's Maine Senior Games' 20-kilometer cycling road race occurred on the final day of the Paris Olympics. While the degree of impact certainly isn't comparable, for the participants — those of us in Brunswick or the athletes in France — it is a special moment in one's life.
Leading up to the event, I wasn't overly confident in how I might perform. After all, at 72, I was deeper within my 70-74 age group. So there would be others "younger" than I vying for the coveted medals.
As far as preparing for the competition, I basically employed the same methods that I'd utilized the previous two years. Long high-cadence rides, in the 13-to-20-mile range, and interval training, which usually entailed cycling flat out for two miles, recovering for one mile, and then repeating as many times as possible.
Regardless of whether or not I was ready to dash around the 2.1-mile circular course, a total of six times, I went to the starting line just telling myself to do the best that I could — and leave it at that. Here's what transpired for myself and the 44 other racers.
With the route being pretty much as flat as a pancake, I settled into a comfortable pace — observing those around me and thinking about what type of strategy I might develop. By the second lap, I had latched onto a group of six or seven other competitors and decided to stick with them.
During registration, each person had their age inscribed on their right calf with a felt pen. Noting the number "70" on the leg of one of those within our batch, I knew I had to keep this gentleman in my sights.
Initially, the tempo of our little peloton was very stress-free, with various members taking turns on the front. However, there were times — certainly throughout laps four and five — when it seemed almost too relaxed and I contemplated hitting the pedals hard. I knew I could go faster. But I stayed tucked within the group — keeping out of the wind to save energy.
Everything changed in the sixth and final lap. There was a noticeable change in speed and it kept increasing the closer we got to the finish line. Now, it was every man and woman for themselves. With the end in sight, two or three people on my right inched ahead of me; it was time to hit the afterburners. Somehow, my front wheel eked out ahead of the others at the last moment. I believe the patience I displayed earlier in the race turned out to be in my favor.
I placed fourteenth overall out of the 45 cyclists, and learned minutes later that I'd captured the gold medal in the 70-74 age group — by a mere two seconds. This was the third straight year I had claimed the top spot, but the margin of victory is getting tinier every time. That said, my times have been pretty consistent. In 2022, I completed the 20 kilometers in 34:20; in 2023, 36:35, and in 2024, 35:54. Not too bad for an old pedal pusher.
I have qualified for the National Senior Games in 2025 that are slated to take place in Iowa. Even if I don't go, it was fun testing my compete level against others my age here in Maine and I was thrilled to take home the gold again. Stay safe!
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