100-year-old cyclist becomes first of his age to ride 100 km

100-year-old Frenchman Robert Marchand cycled 100km in less than five hours.

ROBERT PRATTA/Reuters

LYON, France (AP) -- French cyclist Robert Marchand has ridden 100 kilometers (62 miles) in 4 hours, 17 minutes and 27 seconds.

Doesn't sound fast? Consider this: Marchand is 100 years old.

Setting off on his Trek racing bike around noon at a track in Lyon, Marchand covered the distance at an average pace of 23.3 kph (14.5 mph) - not far off the 24.251 kph pace he kept up to set the world hour record for his age group in Switzerland last February.

No prior record for a centenarian riding 100 km exists, but cycling's international governing body will recognize Marchand's feat, French cycling federation head David Lappartient said.

The president of Marchand's cycling club says he's an inspiration.

"He's an example for humanity, he gives people hope," said Gerard Mistler.

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