The term Mamil – Middle-Aged Man in Lycra – was coined by marketing gurus 15 years ago.
Olivia and Chris Auld of the Auld Alliance line up in the Family Team Sprint. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Over the weekend, the Grassroots Cambridge Velodrome was full of them – and their female counterparts – at the Masters Track Cycling Carnival.
More than 60 riders aged 30 and over competed in over 100 events, having travelled from around New Zealand and even across the Tasman to take part. The competition was fierce and friendly, with athletes going head-to-head in the Sprint Cup, Endurance Cup, Omnium Cup, and thrilling Team Pursuit, Team Sprint, and Family Sprint showdowns.
Denise and Colin Claxton (Counties Manukau) of Jurassic Park line up in the Family Team sprint. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Cycling proved itself a sport for all ages, none more so than in the Family Sprint, where Tim and Penny Pawson claimed victory. Penny, who represented New Zealand in road cycling at the turn of the century, married Tim, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist. Their shared passion led them to compete together at the World Masters Games in Auckland in 2018 – and they haven’t looked back. Penny has since become a world champion in her age group on the track.
The carnival featured a mix of high-speed sprints and tactical endurance races, showcasing the depth of talent and experience among the competitors. Among the standouts was Auckland’s Colin Claxton, racing in the 70–74 age group. A two-time world champion, Colin teamed up with his wife Denise under the whimsical team name Jurassic Park, proving that age is no barrier to speed – or fun.
Denise and Colin Claxton (Counties Manukau) of Jurassic Park line up in the Family Team sprint. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Tim and Penny Pawson of Auckland line up in the Family Team sprint which they narrowly won. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
