Physical peak hits between 25 and 30 years old, after which decline sets in. Should Irish county riders planning to do the Rás take that, and these other factors, into account? (Photo: George Doyle)
By Paddy Doran
We've seen some debate recently about the standard of the An Post Rás and the type of rider the race is pitched at.
So let’s address issues of age and cyclists’ physical performance in the context of the race.
Aspiring riders should take their age into account when considering if being competitive in the Rás is a realistic aim for them.
A few years ago I graphed ages and times at the London Marathon for an article I was writing on physical work capacity and age.
I used an average of the top ten of each age group to get the average time. Now, as we know, there are always the exceptions.
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There were some age group runners who were faster than the average for their age. But they really were an exception and there were very few of them.
I chose running for the research as it's very pure; no equipment or aerodynamics involved. It’s just the runner and the watch.
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How old is too old for the Rás?
It’s very clear that the peak years occur between 25 and 30 years of age. There is a gradual decline from 30 years on.
However, good training and regular physical activity can slow the decline.
So if you are 35 years plus and thinking of being competitive in the Rás or in A1 races, you had better be able to train well, have a lot of natural ability and live a sporting lifestyle.
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Thinking that you can half train, enjoy a few pints, be an older rider and get through the Rás is a fool’s paradise.
The Rás is a high-level sporting contest and requires cyclists in their prime years to prepare really well.
The organiser is doing a great job in delivering a top class event while catering for the Irish club rider who takes the race seriously.
Older riders and Cycling Ireland
Cycling Ireland’s points system should also consider the effects of aging on physical work capacity.
Age related physical work capacity also applies to national races where riders are being moved into A1 category at an older age; not much fun in that I imagine for those riders.
That’s especially the case if they have gained the points through their experience and superior tactics in the lower categories where speeds are lower than A1 races.
Maybe there should be a cap on upgrades to A1 at a certain age?
Rás not the be all and end all
There are still lots of opportunities for cyclists to compete as their physical abilities decline.
There are great vets’ organisations in Leinster and Ulster where the racing age range goes from 40 to 80 years, all still loving their bike.
There are now Masters’ national championships for all age groups. The Rás is no place for old men, but there are lots of alternatives.
Paddy Doran, cycling coach at PeakEnduranceCoaching.ie
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