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—it’s about capability, not limitations.”
“Marchand’s record isn’t just a stunt—it’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.”
— Dr. Élise 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—equivalent 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.