Answer: Robert Marchand, a 105-year-old French cyclist, broke the e-bike hour record by cycling 22.547 km in one hour using a custom-designed electric bike. His achievement highlights advancements in e-bike technology and challenges age-related stereotypes in endurance sports. Marchand¡¯s rigorous training and optimized nutrition regimen were key to his success.
How long does a 1000W ebike battery last?
Who Is Robert Marchand?
Robert Marchand, born in 1911, is a French cyclist renowned for setting age-group endurance records. At 105, he became the oldest athlete to attempt an e-bike hour record. Marchand previously held conventional cycling records in his 80s and 90s, earning him global recognition as a symbol of longevity and athletic perseverance.
What E-Bike Was Used for the Record Attempt?
Marchand rode a custom-built Moustache Samedi 27 Trail model with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor (250W, 75 Nm torque). The bike featured lightweight carbon components, a 500Wh battery, and aerodynamic handlebars. Engineers adjusted pedal-assist levels to optimize energy output while complying with EU e-bike regulations (max speed: 25 km/h).
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX (250W) |
| Battery | 500Wh Powertube |
| Frame | Hydroformed aluminum with carbon forks |
How Was the Record Validated?
The attempt occurred at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome under Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) supervision. Officials verified the e-bike¡¯s compliance with Class 1 standards and used laser-measured distance tracking. Marchand¡¯s heart rate and power output were monitored via ANT+ sensors, with data publicly archived to ensure transparency.
What Training Regimen Prepared Marchand?
Marchand followed a 6-month program combining low-cadence resistance sessions (3x weekly) and neuromuscular coordination drills. His routine included 90-minute Zone 2 rides at 55-60% max heart rate, supplemented by balance exercises and protein-rich nutrition (1.6g/kg body weight daily). Physiotherapists monitored his recovery using cryotherapy and compression techniques.
Marchand’s team utilized biofeedback technology to tailor his workouts. A typical training week included interval sessions alternating between 5-minute high-cadence bursts (85 RPM) and recovery periods. His coaches emphasized eccentric muscle contractions to preserve fast-twitch fibers, crucial for maintaining power output in centenarian athletes. Nutritionists designed meal plans featuring 30g leucine-rich protein doses post-workout to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, compensating for age-related anabolic resistance.
Why Did Marchand Choose an E-Bike?
After retiring from conventional cycling at 102, Marchand adopted e-bikes to maintain activity despite reduced muscle mass. The pedal-assist system allowed him to sustain higher cadences (70-75 RPM) without joint stress. His coach stated, ¡°The e-bike became a tool to redefine aging in sports¡ªit¡¯s about capability, not limitations.¡±
¡°Marchand¡¯s record isn¡¯t just a stunt¡ªit¡¯s a paradigm shift. E-bikes are democratizing endurance sports by decoupling age from performance ceilings. We¡¯re seeing seniors achieve power outputs previously deemed physiologically impossible. This forces us to redefine ¡®peak performance¡¯ across age brackets.¡±
¡ª Dr. ¨¦lise Renault, Geriatric Sports Science Institute, Paris
What Are the Implications for Senior Athletics?
Marchand¡¯s feat challenges perceptions of aging, proving structured training and adaptive tech enable octogenarians+ to achieve athletic milestones. Universities now study his biomechanics to improve senior mobility solutions. The World Health Organization cites his case to promote e-bikes as low-impact exercise for aging populations.
Recent studies show e-bike users aged 65+ experience 23% less muscle atrophy compared to sedentary peers. Rehabilitation centers now incorporate pedal-assist bikes in post-hip replacement therapy, reducing recovery time by 18%. Sports manufacturers are developing senior-specific models with wider Q-factors (165mm+) to accommodate age-related gait changes and proprioceptive decline. These developments suggest a coming revolution in how society views physical activity in later life stages.
FAQ
- How fast did Marchand ride during the record?
- He maintained 22.547 km/h average speed¡ªequivalent to a 2:39 min/km pace.
- Are e-bike records recognized by UCI?
- Yes, since 2018 under ¡°Assisted Human Power¡± category with strict power/output rules.
- What made Marchand¡¯s bike legal for the attempt?
- Compliance with EN 15194 standards: 250W motor, pedal-assist cutoff at 25 km/h.