The impact of sports on age: can cyclists improve their performance at 60 years old?
As we age, it is assumed that the body loses physical abilities, which limits the capacity to compete in high-intensity sports. However, a recent scientific study suggests that this idea may simply be a prejudice. Research has shown that older athletes who practice endurance activities, such as triathlon, road cycling or mountain biking, can improve their performance and compete with younger athletes.
Sport as a key to endurance in middle age
A report in the New York Times highlighted the case of several athletes and triathletes over 60 who claim to have better physical endurance now than in their youth. They are not necessarily looking to win races, but rather to surpass their own limits and stay active. An example of this is the winner of the 2013 Kona Ironman in the 55 to 59 age category, who completed the race in 9 hours and 18 minutes. In the women's category, the time was 10 hours and 33 minutes.
The same study indicates that athletes who have maintained continuous activity throughout their lives have a lower loss of bone density from the age of 40, compared to those who do not practice sports. This fact is crucial for those who enjoy road bikes and mountain bikes, as these disciplines contribute to maintaining strength and endurance without excessive impact on the joints.
Cyclists and runners: faster after 60
The impact of exercise on age is also reflected in endurance events such as the marathon. A study based on 900,000 marathon runners revealed that 25% of athletes over 60 achieved better times than half of runners aged 20 to 54. In addition, a comparison of times in the New York Marathon (1989-2009) showed that men over 64 years and women over 44 years have not yet reached their performance limit.
These findings also have implications for cycling. Cyclists who continue to compete in road bikes and mountain bikes between the ages of 63 and 73 maintain the same elasticity and endurance in their tendons as young people of 20 years, according to the results of this study.
Can cycling and triathlon rejuvenate you?
Beyond being a recreational activity, cycling and other endurance sports can play a key role in longevity and quality of life. Not only do they strengthen the cardiovascular and skeletal systems, but they also help maintain a physical condition comparable to that of younger people.
So, if you ever thought that age is a limit, these data show that mountain bikes and road bikes can be your best allies for continuing to improve, no matter your age.