The World Masters is an event covering a wide age range, 39 to 75+ proving as if I didn’t need reminding, there are many more years of cycling ahead, especially when you see how good Geoff Cooke and David Rowe still are. Cooke from Crumpsall represented England in the 1974 Commonwealth Games and Rowe rode tandem in the 1972 Olympics.
Gary Lake and Paul Whatmough both featured in the Points race and the Scratch Race, Gary in the 50 to 54 category and Paul in 45 to 49 age group.
I have to acknowledge that work does get in the way of the cycling however I was able to keep in contact with Paul and Gary by Email.
Gary’s chances of making the final were cut short by an Argentinian rider crashing, luckily Gary wasn’t involved however his chances of reaching the final were obliterated.
Despite a dose of the Lurgy Paul Whatmough was able to get a place in the Points race final on Thursday.
I arrived at Velodrome in time to watch the Team pursuit 35 to 44 year old category Equipe de France ride against GBR 1, France edged GBR by 2 seconds placing GBR 4th over all with Gold going to Argentina silver, to Newport Quadragintas and Bronze to Equipe de France.
The 45 to 49 category 60 Lap points race got off to a fast start with Paul Whatmough pleasing his sponsors (Shepherds Cycles) early on and getting a shout out on the PA. Valiantly Paul fought his way back time and time again.
You can get a real feel for the energy of this group of riders when you stand on the banking and feel just how much air the riders are moving about, at around 18 Laps to go Paul called it a day. I cant help feeling this was a good choice as not long after, a lapse in rider concentration caused a couple of riders to come down, both managed get back up and re-entered the race.
While attendance was a little sparse it was a good evenings entertainment, especially when someone you know is riding.
Paul & Gary have enjoyed great personal success this year, as well as providing great entertainment and inspiration for the wider Cycling Community.
“Chapeau!”
Well done Gary – great you can mix it up at that level!