By ALESHA CAPONE
DURING 1956, a teenage Luis Laguna won his first bicycle race in Uruguay.
More than five decades later, the sprightly Sunshine West senior citizen shows no signs of slowing down.
Mr Laguna has a cabinet full of cycling trophies, including firsts in the Melbourne Premier Cycling Club Criterium Championships veteran’s class and the veteran’s Mayoral Premier Hill Climb Championships.
Mr Laguna, 78, also travels to South America every two years, riding 150km per day in a veteran’s competition with his cycling buddies.
When Star interviewed Mr Laguna last week, his friend and fellow cyclist Osvaldo Cortes translated.
“Luis lives for the bike. He is amazingly competitive,” Mr Cortes said.
At age 24, Mr Laguna became a professional cyclist in Uruguay.
At 40 years old, the father-of-three arrived in Australia and continued cycling with local clubs.
During 2010, he finished fifth in the Vueltas de Flores R.O. del Uruguay, competing against international riders.
This October, Mr Laguna will compete at the Australian Masters Games in Geelong, which is open to anyone aged over 30 years.
As part of his training schedule, Mr Laguna rides 50km up to three times per week and goes for longer ‘social rides’ on weekends.
“You always look to be better and the aim is always to achieve something,” Mr Laguna said.
Mr Cortes described Mr Laguna as “an inspiration” to the younger members of their social cycling group.
“He has the energy and the mindset to make everyone want to keep going,” Mr Cortes said.
“Of course he surprises a lot of people. They never believe his age and feel surprised because he can pedal very well.
“A lot of people respect him for that, but he is also respected by plenty of people.
“He helps me and others out, and gives advice on how to ride.”
Mr Laguna said support from his wife, three sons and two grandchildren has helped him continue his cycling career.
See www.AustralianMastersGames.com.au for more details.
