He may just have turned 75, but Derby Arena regular Graham Truelove is showing no sign of slowing down. The keen track cyclist has been riding at the city’s velodrome since it opened, and visits at least twice a week.
Graham recently celebrated his birthday by beating the record for the longest distance cycled in one hour in his age group. He notched up an amazing 163 laps – 40.8km – in 60 minutes.
Graham has always been a keen sportsman, having represented the Royal Navy during his career in the Armed Forces and been a member of Great Britain’s Olympic canoeing training squad.
He took up track cycling at the age of 50 and, prior to the opening of Derby’s velodrome, had to travel to Manchester or Newport to ride. Graham said:
When Derby’s velodrome opened, I couldn’t believe my luck. I’ve ridden there two or three times a week ever since, apart from during the Covid lockdown.
It’s a nice, friendly atmosphere. The staff are great, everyone helps each other out. Even the café is fantastic.
Derby is fast building a reputation as a top city for cycling, as home to one of only six velodromes in the country. The Great Britain Cycling Team track squads spent most of last year at Derby Arena while their usual home, the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, underwent renovation work.
This year, the city has been chosen to host the British BMX Championships, which will take place at Alvaston Park in August.
The Arena’s Cycle Hub encourages people of all ages and abilities to take up the sport and get moving, as well as offering opportunities for experienced track cyclists to compete locally.
The velodrome at Derby Arena
As a passionate advocate for women in cycling Graham, says the Arena has been instrumental in the development of a number of excellent female cyclists. He said:
Until recently, track cycling has been male dominated but Derby Arena is a fantastic facility for promoting women’s cycling. It has opened the sport up and there are some champion ladies cycling at Derby who are at the top of their game. They’ve set the Masters women’s track cycling alight.
Anyone can go along to the Arena – male or female, old or young. It’s for all the family. If you’ve never tried it and you just want to have a go on the track, or if you’re interested in taking it up, the support and the coaching is there.
Derby is the friendliest velodrome in the country. I’d encourage anyone to go along.
Dan Burton, Assistant Manager for Cycling Development at Derby Arena, said:
Graham is a regular on the track and we love having him with us. We were delighted that he celebrated his 75th birthday with us by achieving such an amazing record.
Graham is testament to the fact that anyone, of any age, can enjoy riding with us at the Arena. The track isn’t just for experienced, competitive cyclists – anyone can visit us and try this exciting sport.
Visit the Derby Arena website to find out more about the Arena’s Cycling Hub.