RIP Robert Marchand

[T42]

Died during the night at the age of 109.  Last did the Tourmalet at 88, Paris-Bordeaux in his 90s, set the world hour record for over 100s five times. Has a col named after him in the Ardèche.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Marchand_(cyclist)

[hatler]

Top bloke !!

[hatler]

"Robert Marchand (26 November 1911 – 22 May 2021) was a French centenarian cyclist. He is the holder of the world record for cycling 100 km and for the distance cycled in one hour, in both the 100–105 and over-105 years old age categories."

I hope I get to have a crack at that latter record.

[T42]

His hour record was 23.5 kph indoors, IIRC.  I can't manage that outside these days, and I'm 35 years younger.

[mzjo]

Robert Marchand, probably the oldest cyclist in existance and certainly the oldest record holder has died friday-saturday, his family announced today. He was 109 and set the last of his records for the hour for over 105 year-olds.
ttps://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2021/05/22/centenaire-collectionneur-de-records-le-cycliste-robert-marchand-est-mort-a-109-ans_6081146_3382.html

Bet most of us would be happy just to get to that age, let alone set records! Au revoir et bon voyage RM.

[imajez]

A definite chapeau to Monsieur Marchand for his achievements.

[Asterix, the former Gaul.]

Very inspiring. At the end of my Zwift sessions I always check the ‘rode withs’ for the centenarians.

[T42]

Robert Marchand, probably the oldest cyclist in existance and certainly the oldest record holder has died friday-saturday, his family announced today. He was 109 and set the last of his records for the hour for over 105 year-olds.
https://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2021/05/22/centenaire-collectionneur-de-records-le-cycliste-robert-marchand-est-mort-a-109-ans_6081146_3382.html

Bet most of us would be happy just to get to that age, let alone set records! Au revoir et bon voyage RM.

I'm not so sure he was all that happy about it. He had no children, and almost everyone he had ever loved was long dead. Recently he told friends that he was fed up, and wished his heart would give out.

Voir partir les siens, ne plus pouvoir monter sur un vélo par peur de la chute, tourner en rond dans son petit appartement de Mitry-Mory (Seine-et-Marne) Robert Marchand en avait marre. Il disait à ses proches ces derniers mois qu’il voulait que son foutu cœur si extraordinaire, objet d’interrogation de tous les scientifiques le laisse tranquille et cesse de battre dans sa poitrine. Il voulait partir dans son sommeil sans forcer l’ordre des choses.

https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/cyclisme/robert-marchand-plus-vieux-sportif-et-cycliste-de-la-planete-est-mort-a-109-ans-22-05-2021-CLMB24CCUNANVPQGQKPQYIGAUU.php?xtor=AD-366

[Asterix, the former Gaul.]

It’s not unusual to get a bit pissed off as you near the end

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dylan Thomas 1914-1953

O you who turn the wheel and look to windward,
Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you.

T.S. Eliot 1888-1965