Remarkable old blokes #3: Robert Marchand

Frenchman Robert Marchand started cycling in 1925 at age 14, but as an adult, his career (as lumberjack, firefighter and much else) occupied his time until he took up cycling again age 67.

He has ridden the very tough Ardéchoise sportive every year since 1992 when he turned 81. He retired at age 89 and then took part in the famous Bordeaux-Paris ride, covering 600km in 36 hours.

Believe it or not, the UCI has a category of cycling world records for people aged over 100. In 2012, aged 100, Marchand set the 1-hour record, covering 24.25km, and also the 100km record, in 4 hr 17 mins 27 sec. Two years later, he broke his own 1-hour record, with a distance of 26.9km. Look at the coverage on youtube

In recognition of his achievements, a mountain pass on the D532 road in the Ardèche was renamed the col Robert Marchand. To celebrate his 103rd birthday, he rode the 10km climb to the col, in lousy weather. Wonderful!