Third time a charm for County cyclist at World Gran Fondo

Rob Legge receives a big hug from his wife, Kathy, after winning (for the fourth time) the Cheaha Challenge in Jacksonville, Alabama – a 130k qualifier for last Sunday’s worlds event in Denmark.

The County’s favourite senior cyclist says the third time was a charm at the World Gran Fondo race in Aalborg Denmark last Sunday – but it wasn’t without a snag and bump along the way.

Rob Legge, 75, of Cressy, reports a satisfying 14th place finish among 28 athletes in the age 75-79 category at the 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships which showcases speed, strength and diversity of non-professional cycling. Gran Fondo roughly translates as “big race”.

“It took three tries to get it right,” said Legge of his third time competing at the world level. “The winner was a former French pro. Fellow Canadian Paul McRae won second.”

After a year of qualifying events as part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, more than 3,000 of the best riders from 74 countries had wheeled into the Danish city. Legge notes there were 35 athletes from Canada but he’s not certain how many made the podium in the other age categories.

He noted that during the race his group was passed by large, faster peletons of younger riders.

“They were flying, so we had to clear the decks as they passed. This caused several accidents along the way, but luckily I survived and made it to the finish unscathed.

“The weather was perfect and the course of 114 kms and 1,000 meters of climbing was challenging!,” said Legge.

He and his wife Kathy had arrived early in Demark to get a lay of the land and train, but when he unloaded his bicycle in Cophenhagen there was trouble.

“When I assembled it, my rear cassette fell off. I had no idea what happened. I contacted a bike shop in Aalborg, Flexifix, and went to the shop when we arrived and he fixed it.”

Back in training mode, he was riding with a couple from Mexico who were competing, when Legge experienced a near miss with disaster.

“We went off course and were riding back to Aalborg when I tumbled on a bump. I just had scrapes and minor whiplash, but luckily I had a massage appointment the next day and was fixed up.”

Last year he cycled to what he called an unlucky 13th place win at the worlds in Scotland and in 2022 he placed 33rd in Italy. In 2021 he qualified, but did not compete due to the pandemic.

Legge competing in the Gran Fondo in Scotland last year

“In 2022 at Trento, Italy, I wasn’t prepared. We arrived late and drove over the course once. I was totally intimidated by the course, which climbed Mt. Bondie. In 2023, in Perth, Scotland, I was well prepared but missed the start timing. This year, I was the first person in the 75-79 corral, on the starting line and ready to go. I rode as hard and smart as I could and am happy to finish 14th in a good time.”

This season’s racing schedule started with El Tour de Tuscon in November, a 100km race where he won his age group (71+); followed by El Tour de Palm Springs in February, another 100km ride, before the Cheaha Challenge in Jacksonville Alabama, a 130k qualifier which he won for the fourth time.

Earlier this year he again participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer with many locals on Team Myderwyk – who together raised almost $100,000 for cancer research cycling more than 300km over two days.

This summer he also joined the Limestone City Cyclists in Kingston and participates in short, fast rides and long endurance rides.

Legge says his wife Kathy O’Connell has been a tremendous support throughout all the adventures and she is joined by other terrific members of a support team, including: Cindy McNealy and Morgan Clark (massage), Kathy McAlpine (facial stretch), Andrew Binks (personal training), Bill Ulakovic, Gregor Stuart, Vic Rocha and Team LCC Kingston (training partners and Derek and team who have kept his bikes in top form at Doug’s Bike in Belleville.

Legge has been cycling for more than two decades and is often spotted training throughout the County.

“I put in about 10,000km in 2024 before heading to Denmark.”

In October he plans to do the Hastings Highlands Hilly Hundred in Bancroft, but has decided not to cycle this weekend’s Gran Fondo in the County.

He has also decided he likely won’t be competing in next year’s worlds event to be held in Melbourne, Australia.

“It’s a very expensive game, qualifying in Alabama, then flying to Melbourne. It has been a fantastic experience which I am happy to end,” he said, adding he will still complete in local races. “I’ve had fantastic support from my friends in the County and afar, for which I am truly grateful.”