Martin Colston
AGE: 59
LOCATION: Newbury, UK
EXPERIENCE: I did first sprint triathlon in 2009 and got steadily more and more interested in cycling. My first week long cycling holiday was in the French Alps in 2016, followed by Italian Alps in 2018 and the Dolomites in 2022 with shorter mountain fixes in between.
I took on a cycling coach in 2021 and love the structure, discipline and development. The 2024 Le Loop Mountains Week was a big step and one I loved!
My main learning was the lack of time. Once you've finished the stage, possibly had a transfer, checked in, showered, washed kit, prepared day bags for the next day and eaten it's time for sleep! And then it's breakfast, pack, get bags loaded, possibly transfer and then ride! I took two books and never even opened them!
Where are you now?
I was absolutely buzzing from my mountains week experience for weeks afterwards and I revelled in watching the Tour and seeing all the places we’d just been.
2024 was also a try out to see whether I might be capable of the Grand Loop when I’m 60. Hoping to have a crack at that in 2026 as long as I manage to get a place!