No brakes – there’s just no stopping Newcastle’s Gwyn Pine

Showing no sign of slowing down, local cycling veteran, Gwyn Pine, embodies the phrase ‘age is just a number’.

Participating in gruelling time trials and some of the toughest road races, Mr Pine clocked some of his best times recently, reaffirming his spot as an all-rounder in the 50 plus category.

Earlier this year, the robust rider took part in the KwaZulu-Natal championships in Ladysmith.

Mr Pine placed first in the time trial, and received a well-deserved nod for the fastest time on the 20km route.

The following day, he was put to the test in a rigorous road race, and still managed to place third.

“After completing the time trial the day before, I expected the road race to be challenging,” he explained.

The 50-year-old took part in the 2015 National Cycling and Para-Cycling Championships in Nelspruit from February 4 to February 9.

“The route was tricky, with lots of technically challenging turns. The heat was an important factor that adversely affected the performance of the riders on race day,” he said.

On February 6, Mr Pine tackled the 22km time trial, winning by almost a minute, in the direct firing line of the sweltering sun.

Thereafter, he took part in a backbreaking 97km road race, finishing with the main group of riders. “To podium in the road race is always more difficult, especially when there are so many good sprinters in the group. However, I’m happy with my results.”

Adding to an already lengthy list of achievements, Mr Pine left his fellow riders in the dust, winning the 100km Newcastle Cycle Challenge, breaking away from the group to beat second place by an earth-shattering 20 minutes.

His time was third best overall, earning Mr Pine the rightful title of one of amateur cycling’s most elite.

The Newcastle Advertiser congratulated Mr Pine and wished him well on his journey to cycling world domination!