Tour de France – One For the Ages
by Bob_Thompson on Jul.25, 2010, under Guestbook
In all the drama and hubbub of this year’s Tour de France, it is easy overlook an incredible result from the oldest rider in the race. The 39 year old Frenchman, Christophe Moreau, came in second in the King of the Mountains points competition. That is no small accomplishment. Climbing mountains on a bike is a young man’s game, if there ever was one.
This is it for Moreau. He says that watching Lance Armstrong struggle through the race convinced him more than ever that it is the right time for him to retire also.
My hat is off to him. And it’s off to Armstrong and Horner as well, both of whom are only one year younger. Frankly, I think just finishing is a huge accomplishment. And doing it while remaining competitive with people nearly half your age is pretty darn amazing.
Here is Moreau at the gala route announcement event for the 2010 tour route:
He looked relaxed enough to be retired, but he wasn't done yet!
We also can’t forget Italian Alessandro Petacchi who, at age 36, took the Green Sprinter’s jersey. That is pretty special given that the guy you beat out for it is the 25 year old Manx Missile, Mark Cavendish. Here is Pettachi:
Petacchi dodged a missile
Petacchi dodged a missile
Personally, one of the things I like about cycling is that competitors can remain world class into their late 30′s. The oldest winner was Firmin Lambot, aged 36 in 1922. Next oldest were Henri Pélissier (1923) and Gino Bartali (1948), both 34. Gino Bartali holds the longest time span between titles, having earned his first and last Tour victories 10 years apart (in 1938 and 1948).
Plus, as far as recreational riding, you can pretty much do it until you “fall off the perch”, as Graeme W. would put it.
