80-year-old who completed this year’s Étape Caledonia complains that he will be barred from next year's event because of his age

An 80-year-old cyclist who completed Étape Caledonia last week is urging the organisers to alter their entry policy so that he can take part again in 2018. John McNally has completed the event on eight occasions, but the rules say that those over the age of 80 can’t compete.

This year’s course was 131km with almost 1,200m of climbing. McNally completed the event in five-and-a-half hours, finishing 2,265^th and ahead of over a thousand riders.

This means his average speed – including stops – was almost 24km/h (15mph).

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However, The Étape Caledonia website states that the event is only open to individuals between the ages of 17 and 80 and McNally would like to take part again next year.

McNally told the Scottish Sun: “Rules say if you are over 80 you can’t compete. They should increase this to 85. I’ve not got any aches. It’s a tremendous event.”

The Étape Caledonia organisers have been contacted for comment.