Gwyn claims a cycling world silver
The cycling master finished second in the age 50 to 54 division at the Gran Fondo World Championships in Perth two weeks ago, a mere 5,8 seconds behind French rider and victor, Patrick Pardieu.
NEWCASTLE – Gwyn Pine has returned home with a silver medal, and an eye on gold next year.
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The cycling master finished second in the age 50 to 54 division at the Gran Fondo World Championships in Perth two weeks ago, a mere 5,8 seconds behind French rider and victor, Patrick Pardieu.
Gwyn has since set his sights on an even greater achievement in 2017.
“I’m aiming for a first place next year. There is no financial gain, but in terms of potential endorsements and the privilege, it’s like winning an Olympic medal.”
Gwyn’s journey to a silver medal began four years ago – he ended fourth in his group at the championships in Slovenia in 2014, and missed out the Denmark edition in 2015 due to financial constraints.
However, he was determined to compete in the Australian championships this year.
His year got off to the best possible start, when he achieved a gold medal in the time trial of the KwaZulu-Natal Championships, and improved his time on the course by one-and-a- half minutes.
In March, Gwyn went on the Tour of Good Hope, which concluded with the Argus.
“It was important for me to stay in contention, and when I won the time trial, I held the yellow jersey for almost a day.”
His next goal was the World Championships – Gwyn trained through winter and completed 95 per cent of his training alone, ultimately enlisting professional coaching assistance.
A coach, plus donations from local and overseas supporters, was a weight off his shoulders.
“This time around, I got a big corporate sponsorship. It helped because I needed to focus on the job at hand. I still said to my wife, though, if I don’t make the podium, I won’t compete at the Worlds again.”
Gwyn arrived in Australia at the end of August, and spent a few days acclimatising on Rottnest Island, a small piece of land off the coast which was to host the time trial portion of the World Championships.
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During that time, he rode the course and got comfy with the route.
“It was a technical course with hills, so it’s hard to find a constant rhythm. It wasn’t suited to me, but I felt great during the time trials.”
Competing against 58 other top athletes, Gwyn managed to catch up three cyclists over the course of the time trial, and was certain he’d put in a good effort.
What he wasn’t expecting was to be announced as second in the age group.
Gwyn said albeit being disappointed to have lost out on first by such a narrow margin of less than six seconds, he understood being rated second in the world, and one of only two South Africans to receive medals, was an outstanding achievement in itself.
“I’m over the moon and not switched off yet. Worlds takes place in France next year and the course is already confirmed, so I can start training soon.”
As one of the podium finishers this year, Gwyn will join Patrick and Irish third place finisher, Des Woods at the back of the time trial pack.
Gwyn explained this was an important factor, as it meant he would have only one cyclist chasing him down, and a field of athletes to measure himself against.
“It’s like a carrot dangling for me,” he concluded with a smile.
