- Last year, I started cycling during the championship, but then I gave up because I was a bit frustrated that we only had three bikes, and so many people wanted to cycle. But my neighbor here was really upset that I quit and talked me back into the competition. And it led to a second place finish. He was proud of that.
- I thought about him today - if he were still alive, he’d probably think it was amazing that I managed to win, says Åke Wassberg, the newly crowned world champion in the men’s category.
A well-managed competition
Åke, a resident at Lura bo- og omsorgssenter in Norway, stays active despite having a lung condition. He goes for daily walks, which he believes has benefited him on the bike.
- I decided to go for the win this time. But I wanted to start slowly so that I’d have something left for the final days. I probably started a bit too cautiously as well. On the second-to-last day, I cycled 250 km, so I likely could have pushed harder earlier, but it was enough.
Wassberg praises the benefits of cycling and has even surprised medical professionals with his results.
- My GP wanted to consult with specialists because he thought it was amazing that I could cycle so much and so far without any lung pain. He simply didn’t understand it. But I have to admit, I really felt it in my lungs on those last two days when I pushed a little extra.
A Motivator
The staff at Lura are full of praise for Åke’s incredible achievement, and they also highlight how he’s motivated many others to start cycling.
- I’ve always enjoyed talking to people, so I make sure to encourage them to join in. And so many have shown up. Maybe there’ll be even more when they see my results, he smiles.
Even the week after RWS, he’s on the bike at 6 a.m., cycling for a couple of hours before breakfast. In other words, he’ll be a tough competitor next year as well.
- If my health holds up, I’ll compete again next year. But there are probably many who’ll want to beat me, so it’ll be tough to win.