Jon Granli (left) and Leif Johan Nilsen
-I never thought I’d have to be 100 years old to participate in a World Championship, chuckles Leif Johan Nilsen as he sits behind the bike, clocking kilometer after kilometer at Stord nursing home in Norway.
Leif Johan, who emigrated from Moss in his early twenties to build boats, is actually competing in his third Road Worlds for Seniors.
- It’s good for the body to cycle. I used to bike in my youth too. Back then, I biked from Moss to Fredrikstad to watch the girls. Now I’m in a World Championship.
-Are you aiming to become world champion?
- I don’t have ambitions to become world champion. It would be nice to move up the rankings a bit here on Stord, but they say I’m ranked number two in the world in my class, says the 102-year-old before he turns his gaze towards the film from his hometown of Moss, playing on the TV.
If you count those in the 100+ age group in this years championship, you’ll find over 20 cyclists. But there are probably many more. Not everyone has entered their age when registering for the cycling championship.
Fun with the World Championship
Next to Leif Johan on another bike sits his friend Jon Granli, also a seasoned senior.
- I’m turning 93, so Leif Johan and I are the oldest cyclists here on Stord. We try to inspire the younger residents, says Jon, flashing a big smile.
He too has previously participated in the Road Worlds for Seniors and has his thoughts about the event.
- When you’re that old, you don’t expect to be fit enough to participate in a World Championship. But I think I’m doing pretty well. It is very exciting, and it’s kind of fun to say that you’ve been participating in a world championship.
Social and health benefits
Jon also highlights the health and social benefits of cycling.
- Cycling keeps me in good shape, and my back has improved a lot from cycling. Plus, you obviously get stronger legs. Now I can walk fast if I decide to.
- And it’s very social too. We sit together here at the bikes and discuss different things. We also watch films from both home and abroad. It’s very nice. You can pick and choose from so many films here, says Jon, who, during the World Championship, clocks in several hours of cycling each day.
