How I got into cycling at 49

I’m 49 and turn 50 in January. I’ve been running for two and a half years — I started, like many people, for my health. And then things just fell into place.

Why a bike. My running coach moved into cycling: she bought a bike and started riding with her neighbours — two real cycling champions live in her village. I loved that story. Then I injured my knee and had a minor operation. Friends who aren’t athletes at all said: try cycling, it’s easier on the knees. When you’re not 25 but nearly 50, that matters.

What hooked me. Beauty. The grace with which cyclists ride, lean athletic figures, kit that makes a person look fast before the start. Cycling is beauty and drive together.

Rent first. I didn’t buy straight away. My assistant found a club that rents bikes, and on the second try we ended up at Ya Bike. The club owner recommended a simple carbon bike, and I rode it for about two months.

How the Pinarello appeared. I came to the club with a problem — the chain wouldn’t shift onto the big ring — and said: that’s it, I get it, cycling is my thing, I want to buy a bike. A new one is expensive, so I asked about second-hand: the club services its bikes and knows their condition, so I wouldn’t be buying a pig in a poke. Right then an experienced racer rode up on a Pinarello Dogma F. I asked: “Selling it?” — “Yes.” I tried it, the size was right, we agreed. I barely thought about it: a beautiful bike caught my eye.

First ride. On the rented bike, about 20 km around my neighbourhood, at five in the morning when there are hardly any cars. It wasn’t scary: I had a motorbike as a kid, so I’m used to big vehicles nearby.

Most awkward mistake. A fall. I was trying out that same Pinarello, not yet mine. The racer lent me his cycling shoes, which clip into the pedals. I didn’t unclip in time — and went down with the bike. Someone else’s, almost new, scraping on the tarmac — a knife to the heart. It’s a classic: almost every beginner on clipless pedals falls like this at least once.

What changed. Cycling brought more than sport into my life. I stopped being shy about tight kit — and started making sure my stomach doesn’t stick out. We don’t just buy a bike, we buy an image of ourselves: how strong, athletic and good-looking I am. When I started riding 50 km, I realised cycling wears you out differently but builds endurance. A 15 km run used to be a serious distance for me; now it’s easy. These days I alternate: a running day, a riding day.

What’s next. Wattbike and the velodrome at Krylatskoye this winter. And one day, an Ironman: my friend, the same age as me and a triathlete, has already done one — so I can too.

What I’d tell myself on day one: don’t overthink it, just go and do it.

What a beginner can take from this

• Start by renting for a month or two: you’ll find out whether it’s for you and what bike you need.
• A second-hand bike is safer to buy through a club or workshop — they know its history.
• Practise clipless pedals against a wall or on grass first: unclip early, before you stop.
• Do your first rides early in the morning, when traffic is light.
• Cycling goes well with running and is easier on the knees.