Anyone who has ever seen what the "grandmasters" (together more than a hundred years old) among the racers at the TOUR-Transalp stage race for everyone can only marvel at. The grey-haired men are incredibly fast, have great stamina and are streets ahead of the majority of the much younger participants. Senior citizens are somehow different. Perhaps more like the 70- or 80-year-olds who compete in the Masters World Championships in St. Johann. On the other hand, they may have deeper wrinkles on their faces, but a 20-year-old with no special training or outstanding talent would still have a damn hard time against a 70-year-old St Johann champion. Strictly speaking, he wouldn't stand a chance: the old men still pedal a 43 time trial average. So cycling seems to keep you young. Or are they all exceptional talents who have saved themselves over the years?
No - they are simply experienced athletes that the public rarely takes notice of. Nevertheless, medical science is now interested in senior citizens in endurance sports - and regards Masters cyclists as models of exemplary ageing. In the face of an ageing population, these athletes show the difference an active lifestyle can make, and they are considered exemplary in every respect.
SHORT & SHORT
Cycling is very healthy and provides outstanding fitness. Cyclists aged 60 can achieve similar results to those 20 years younger. The strain on the joints is low and the benefits for the cardiovascular system and health are optimal. In principle, senior citizens train in the same way as younger athletes, but should reduce the proportion of anaerobic training and be prepared for longer recovery times.
You can find the entire article with training recommendations as a PDF download below.
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