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Peter Grandiek rode 22.948 kilometres in an hour at Invercargill’s velodrome on Wednesday, setting a new mark in the 95–99 age category. The distance exceeds the previous record of 20.151km, but the result remains subject to ratification by the UCI. Grandiek rode to support Hospice South and has not confirmed what he will attempt next.
Peter Grandiek rode 22.948 kilometres in an hour at his home velodrome in Invercargill on Wednesday, setting a new mark for the 95–99 age category on his 95th birthday. The distance is nearly 3km beyond the previous benchmark of 20.151km, set by New Zealander Reg Rye in 2019; the result still requires UCI ratification.
The Dutch-born cyclist completed more than 91 laps of the Invercargill track, according to Cycling Weekly. He told the publication that he had hoped to ride farther but that a problem with his seat left him sitting too far forward and worried he might slip off. A lap recorder helped him follow his progress during the attempt.
Grandiek said the previous mark-holder had ridden 80 laps, and he felt relieved when he passed that total with about 10 minutes remaining. He described the remaining task simply: “You just concentrate on going forward.” His 22.948km total compares with Rye’s 20.151km record, but the official standing of Grandiek’s ride depends on the UCI’s review.
The attempt was also a fundraiser for Hospice South. Grandiek said he usually marks his birthday with charity rides. After finishing, he had to complete anti-doping testing for the record application. He told Cycling Weekly the process took hours: the ride ended shortly after 7 p.m., and he did not get home until about 10:15 p.m.
A New Benchmark at 95
Grandiek’s ride puts a fresh mark on the 95–99 age-category Hour Record, a test of the distance a cyclist can cover on a track in 60 minutes. If ratified, the result will replace the 2019 benchmark by a margin of nearly 3km. The UCI review matters because the record is not official until the governing body accepts the ride and its required checks.
The attempt also drew attention to a cyclist who began riding relatively late in life. Grandiek told Cycling Weekly that he took up cycling in 2007, in his mid-70s, after other sports had become harder on his body. His personal account is not medical guidance; his history includes a heart attack and triple bypass surgery. The clearest public impact of this particular ride is its support for Hospice South and the new record claim awaiting review.
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From Late Start to Track Record
Grandiek was born and raised in a province north of Amsterdam and moved to New Zealand in the early 1950s, when he was 22. He worked on the South Island railways, later becoming a house painter and running a deer farm. Before cycling, he played rugby and ran, including half-marathons. He said he took up cycling after those activities became too hard on his bones.
This is not his first age-group Hour Record. Grandiek previously held the 80–84 category mark, but was surpassed three weeks later by British rider Walter Fowler, then 81. The next age category, 100–104, has a listed benchmark of 26.925km, set by French cyclist Robert Marchand in 2014, according to the report. Grandiek has not said that he will target it.
Grandiek said he rides at the velodrome about twice a week and decided to attempt the record because he believed he might be capable of it. He told Cycling Weekly that he had felt comfortable riding at more than 20 kilometres per hour. The Wednesday attempt was therefore a planned effort, not a spontaneous ride, and included the testing required for a UCI record application.
““I was expecting to do a little bit more.””
— Peter Grandiek, speaking to Cycling Weekly
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UCI Review Still Pending
The central outstanding point is whether the UCI will ratify the 22.948km ride. Grandiek underwent anti-doping testing after the effort, but the report says the record remains subject to ratification and does not provide a decision date or further details of the review.
It is also unclear whether Grandiek will attempt another record, including the 100–104 category benchmark. He has said only that he will think of something for next year. No confirmed plan, date or target distance has been announced.
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Ratification and Future Plans
The next formal step is UCI ratification of Grandiek’s result. Until the governing body confirms it, 22.948km should be described as his claimed or pending 95–99 category record rather than a fully ratified mark. The available report does not state when the decision is expected.
Grandiek has left open the possibility of another challenge but has not committed to one. Readers seeking to support the cause can donate to Hospice South through the charity’s website, as described in the original report.
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Key Questions
How far did Peter Grandiek ride?
He covered 22.948km in one hour at the Invercargill velodrome, completing more than 91 laps, according to Cycling Weekly.
What was the previous 95–99 category mark?
The previous benchmark was 20.151km, set by New Zealander Reg Rye in 2019. Grandiek’s result is nearly 3km farther, pending UCI ratification.
Is Grandiek’s record officially ratified?
Not yet, according to the report. The UCI ratification is pending, although Grandiek underwent anti-doping testing after the ride.
Why did Grandiek attempt the record?
He told Cycling Weekly that he thought it was something he might be capable of and said he wanted to challenge himself. The ride also supported Hospice South.
Has he announced another record attempt?
No specific future attempt has been confirmed. Grandiek said he would come up with something for next year but did not name a distance or event.
Source: rss
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