Frenchman, 90, sets new age group Hour record

A French cyclist has set a new age group Hour record – at the age of 90.

René Gaillard rode 29.278 kilometres – just over 117 laps – on the track at France’s national velodrome in St Quentin en Yvelines near Paris on Sunday 8 October.

“I’ve achieved my dream,” he said, quoted on the French cycling federation’s website.

“I’m happy I didn’t disappoint my supporters,” added Gaillard, a member of the Cyclosport Club de Vesoul in the Haut Saône department.

Racing as an independent rider in the 1950s, Gaillard won a number of races.

Representing the regional Franche Comté team also gave him the chance to race against some of the biggest names in cycling including Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet.

In the coming years, Gaillard could start eyeing the records held by his 105-year-old compatriot, Robert Marchand, for whom the UCI created several new age categories.

Most recently, in January this year, Marchand set an Hour record in the 105 years and above category, riding 22.547 kilometres at the same track where Gaillard set his record.

> French cyclist Robert Marchand sets new Hour Record - at age of 105