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Elite Sponsorship Fund

Alison's Story

19th Nov 2021
Racing for GB in my 60's

My name is Alison Salthouse and I'm so proud to represent GB racing on the velodrome in my 60's!

I only started riding aged 53 and was overweight and unfit - however, cycling lit something in my heart and I started training and riding as much as I could. Over the winter I was less keen so decided to try riding on the velodrome. What a scary experience - no gears, no brakes and no freewheel... and 42-degree banking.... eek!

Lockdown and training

Aged 62 I now represent my age group at GB level and found lockdown hard with all my races cancelled and the velodrome/my gym closed so much. I continued training and riding outdoors when the weather allowed, setting up a home gym to bridge the gap.

This year my championships were re-scheduled twice and the World Championships were cancelled for a second year but I'm thrilled to say my Nationals went ahead last week and I came away with a Silver medal in the individual pursuit and an age group GB record for my qualifier in the match sprint! Additionally, I took part in the British Masters Cycle Racing Championships in October and secured 3 x Gold medals and a Silver there as well. Finally a great year!

Inspiring others to get involved

I have been helped by the elite CSSC fund towards my race entries and that has been a real bonus. I'm still working in HMRC and masters athletes get no funding to represent GB from British Cycling so every little helps. if I can inspire others to try riding that would be the icing on the cake.

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