Message #3351

[giantcfr1]

Monahan - indeed recovering from an accident so close to the championships is an outstanding achievement. I originally quit cycling after a number of operations from crashes.

I think that the UCI as well as other international/ national sporting and governing bodies needs to promote more involvement in the higher masters divisions if not simply for the health benefits. I would assume that alot of women in the WM6 age range would have been through alot of painful life experiences - loss of loved ones, husbands, children etc; divorces, bankruptcy etc. the list is endless and i believe that competing in sporting events would help to give a focus and prevent excessive health problems. From what i can gather about you from posts on here you are very persistent in competing regardless of the lack of numbers and being in the lowest grades. Most women would just stop going, but you continue to do so. You would be a good example for the UCI/ ACF to use in promoting the values and spirit of masters racing. Does the ACF give any financial support for you to compete in world masters championships? perhaps if the national governing bodies of each country helped out with expenses, more people would compete in the  higher age categories.

You may see me on the track in a couple of months - would be interesting to see what time my first flying 200m would be after 12 years.