Experienced cyclist Jo Smet, the oldest rider in this year’s Bupa Challenge Tour, says only hot weather will prevent him completing the 102km course.

At 81 years old, Jo Smet shows no sign of slowing down – unless he’s riding up Mengler Hill in this year’s Bupa Challenge Tour, that is.

The oldest rider in the challenge, Mr Smet usually rides more than 200km a week and even after two operations late last year, including a procedure to clear a blocked artery, he’s not letting up.

“After this operation I’m 100 per cent again,” he declared.

Mr Smet plans to ride the 102km route from Gumeracha and make the climb up Mengler Hill, unless the weather is too hot.

“If I feel really buggered then I might take the detour,” he said.

“I will still go but I have to be more careful and have more breaks.”

An experienced rider, Mr Smet has completed five Community Challenges, the Mawson Trail three times and cycled from Adelaide to Brisbane in 2001.

His advice for new riders is to stay hydrated with water during the race and not to party too hard after. It’s unlikely that the youngest participant will celebrate with a cold beer. Samuel Crouch, from Teringie, is only seven years old and will ride on his own bike next to his mother starting from Tanunda.

Source: Sunday Mail 8th Jan 2012

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