Elite Sponsorship Fund
Alison's Story
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.
