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news
Robert Marchand (picture credit UCI)103-year-old Robert Marchand celebrates birthday by climbing the col that bears his name
Robert Marchand, the hour record holder for the over-100 age group, has celebrated his birthday by tackling the Col Robert Marchand. The 103-year-old conquered the 10km climb in under an hour and celebrated at the top with a glass of Champagne.
It was a bleak, rainy day in the Ardeche mountains yesterday. It was also Robert Marchand’s birthday and unlike most 103-year-olds, he wanted to celebrate by cycling up a mountain. The climb he had in mind was none other than the Col Robert Marchand, a 10km stretch of road on the D532 road between Saint-Félicien and Lalouvesc which rises 450m.
Despite the poor weather conditions, Marchand wasn’t to be deterred. “It’s going to be tough, but I still hope to succeed – but if I don’t, then don’t hold it against me.”
It was never in doubt, for Marchand is no ordinary centenarian (if there is such a thing). He is the man who holds the hour record for his age group, having ridden 26.925km in January of this year, and he also holds the centenarian 100km speed record in a time of 4h17m27s.
Marchand reached the summit in less than an hour, pointing out that it was only 11 degrees and that he didn’t normally ride unless it was at least 15 degrees. Training demands commitment though and Marchand needs to stay in shape as he will be riding the Ardechoise sportive this summer – as he has each year since it began in 1992.
He says he wants to keep racing until he is 105. Presumably, he’ll only cycle recreationally after that. “My doctor tells me I’m doing well and he says to continue what I’m doing – but perhaps to go at it a bit less hard.”
Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.
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11 comments
Well done sir what a great achievement. I'm just over half that age and would be chuffed with a time close to that
We have done the Adreche Verte, the event on the first day, it was like being in a carnival..fantastic atmosphere, music, cheering and wonderful food. The whole community is involved. The route was so beautiful, challenging and in no way would I say that it was easy. We have registered to do the 3 day event in June, great value and you get to see so much of a beautiful and less well known part of the Rhone-Alps. It was the brainchild 23 years ago of a visionary who wanted to elevate the profile of the Ardeche as a destination..he has done it with knobs on!
We did the multi-day version this year with my dad, and we met a grand total of two other Brits. It was a really nice ride, gentler terrain than most of the UK but plenty of ups, down and spectacular scenery.
It's ridiculously good value for money - your €75 entry fee gets you three nights' room and board, plus baggage transfers, a (very Euro) free jersey and a meal at the end. All the local villages really push the boat out and there's plenty of amusing amateur roadside art to look at, bands geeing you up the final climb, and food stops with local meat and cheese. During the final meal Robert Marchand walked into the marquee and got a standing ovation. As Dave says, best event ever.
This guy's the figurehead of the Adechoise cycling festival, which looks pretty excellent. Anyone tried it? Thinking about doing one of the 4-day routes next year. (because no matter how hard I train...I won't be riding the 1-day, 278km, 16 col version)
http://www.ardechoise.com/
i've been twice, and it's absolutely the best cycling event ever. never done a multi-dayer though
Hangs head in shame...
Chapeau.
That is brilliant. Chapeau.
What a coincidence, two heroes side by side in the latest news, one tragically passing away young and the other recording a fantastic feat by a revered centurion. Being on top of the news like this is why I like Road CC.
Chapeau!
Can't argue with that man's doctor!
Top man, I only hope I'm still on a bike at that age!