AFTER more than 55 years competitively cycling Bob Addy is just one race away from retirement.
The local 73-year-old who rides with the Peel Cycling Club, will finish his cycling career on top having won the National Masters Championship in his age group last month.
At the championship held in Chidlow, Addy placed second in the 25-kilometre time trial and the Criterium and won the 66km road race to win overall.
“I was able to beat the rider I finished second behind in Criterium in the road race,” Addy said.
“Revenge was sweet.”
Addy began his cycling career as a 17-year-old in England after watching a national road race which was in his town.
“I went down and joined the club that hosted it,” he said.
“I never thought I would become a professional.
“I thought I would see what I can do in this sport, I aimed to be an area champ [which he did] then go on to bigger and better races.”
Addy’s talent for cycling was undeniable.
As a 20-year-old Addy competed in the Tour of Sweden as an amateur where he finished eighth against professionals.
“I was an amateur, I was still working,” he said.
Soon Addy became a professional where he went on to become a British Road Champion and compete in the Tour de France, Olympic Games and the Commonwealth games.
Addy said it was hard to pick a highlight but ranked the Tour de France highly.
“At the time you don’t really appreciate it but now I’ve become an old fart I think blimey, did I really do that?” he said.
After retiring from professional racing Addy became a qualified British Cycling Coach and went on to coach international and professional riders.
During this period he stepped away from competitive racing but a move to Australia nine years ago to be closer to his children saw him once again take up racing.
Addy said he will miss racing but will continue to ride his bike.
“It’s time to give it up, eventually father time comes into play,” he said.
Addy said he will still attend races in a coaching capacity with 11 riders ranging from 22 to 64 years old under his guidance.
“I get a real buzz out of it, when they do well I’m over the moon, they feel good and I feel just as good,” he said.
