By Deanne Jeffers
SHEPPARTON Cycling Club stalwart Myles Higgins, who competes in the 74-79 age group, recently placed first at the Federation University Road National Championships in Mount Helen, Victoria.
Myles was a Vietnam veteran who became involved in the world of road bike racing at age 45 through The Australian Veteran Cycling Council (AVCC).
From there he became familiar with mountain biking, becoming the Australian National Champion in downhill mountain biking at Thredbo in 1992.
“It’s all about the competitions. The competitions help keep the fear factor away and they give you a reason to keep on training.”
“Every year I notice I get a little bit slower, that’s to be expected with ageing,” said Myles, who turns 78 at the end of the year, “You have to make the most of what you have though.”
Cycling and mountain bike riding has been a huge part of his life. Myles met his wife Heather at a cycling championship in Russia before the fall of the Soviet Union.
Together, they have competed and travelled the country on bikes. Undertaking large adventures such as Adelaide to Perth, Shepparton to Broken Hill, Cairns to the tip of Cape York, and several tours to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor.
“It’s the best way to see the country,” said Myles. “You can see it, smell it, hear it, and feel it – the whole countryside all around you.”
Myles continues to train five days a week and regularly competes.
In September, Greater Shepparton will host the 2023 Junior and Masters National Road Championships, which anticipates more than 800 riders for the Junior (Under 15 and U17s), and Masters (ages 30+) contests.
Greater Shepparton has previously hosted the Junior event in 2011 and 2015, and it is the first time the Masters National Road Race event has come to our region.
The Shepparton Cycling Club, who train at the Shepparton Velodrome on Tuesday nights, is open to anybody who is interested in cycling competitively or leisurely. New riders and all skill levels are always welcome.
To enquire visit their Facebook page or website www.sheppartoncyclingclub.com
