UCI Masters MTB World Champs - Here We Come!

It’s been a little quiet on my blog lately, and for good reason! Between health consultations, writing detailed reports, developing Super Smoothies, holding politicians to account over matters like genetic engineering, and squeezing in some high-quality training, there hasn’t been a moment to spare. But the silence doesn’t mean I’ve slowed down — in fact, quite the opposite.

Tomorrow, Alofa and I head to Cairns for the UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships, where I’ll be racing in the Olympic-style cross-country event in the 70+ category. I’m back to defend my world title — and I can confidently say, I’m in the best shape of my life.

Despite the disruptions of COVID lockdowns, travel costs, and general life chaos, this is close to a decade of being undefeated while competing at this level (with a few gaps along the way). And this time, I’ve trained smarter, prepared harder, and fine-tuned every detail of my gear, nutrition, and conditioning.

Here’s a video from last year's event, featuring a quick interview with me and a few race highlights:

Age is No Barrier – It’s a Benchmark

Just recently, I rode Wellington’s legendary Tip Track — something I’ve done countless times over the last 30–40 years. To my amazement, I clocked a lifetime personal best: just over 25 minutes from bottom to top. At nearly 72 years of age, that result made me pause and think: This is what living proof looks like when you treat your body as your most precious asset.

Watch the ride and see for yourself:

And yes — before you ask — I descend the rough stuff quicker than I ever dared in my younger years. Better never rests.

No Room for Complacency

As the defending champion, I am well aware of the added pressure that comes with the title. Everyone is aiming for me, and I have to be prepared for any competition, no matter who shows up with determination and speed. And things can go terribly wrong in mountain bike racing, and with no warning! That's why I am not leaving any room for chance and I am not relying on my past successes. This year, I have taken everything to a higher level — my physical strength, abilities, mental state, and even my equipment. If I do happen to lose, I will be the first to congratulate the deserving winner who has earned their victory.

So while I may not have posted much recently, the Freeranger spirit has been firing on all cylinders behind the scenes.

Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support, and I’ll keep you posted from Cairns.

Whatever the result, know this: the mission is always to inspire, lead by example, and prove that age is just another number when you live life the Freeranger way.

See you on the trail!