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Gun cyclist Geoff Stoker a master on the velodrome and finalists in NSW Sport awards

For some reason, time is not slowing cyclist Geoff Stoker. In fact, the reverse is true.

Masters cyclist Geoff Stoker has had a year to remember. Pic: Larry Hickmott.
Masters cyclist Geoff Stoker has had a year to remember. Pic: Larry Hickmott.

Even Geoff Stoker has no clue how he does it.

How, when he gets on a bike on the velodrome, he defies his age.

“I seem to be getting faster as I get older which is a little unusual,’’ said the Parramatta cyclist. “Normally things go the other way.

“People scratch their heads and ask me how but I just enjoy what I do.’’

At 58, Stoker has had a memorable year.

In April in Mexico, he rode off with three world records in the 55-59 age class - the 500m Time Trial (33.538), Flying 200m (10.382) and Team Sprint (47.508).

At the UCI track world titles in manchester in October he won gold in the 500m Time Trial, Sprint and team sprint.

Geoff Stoker on the Sydney 2000 Olympic velodrome at Bass Hill.
Geoff Stoker on the Sydney 2000 Olympic velodrome at Bass Hill.

TEEN: Saint in league of her own

Stoker, who owned the Bike Barn at Parramatta for two decades before selling the building, is now semi-retired.

“I do have more time now I am semi-retired,’’ he said.

“I do a bit of work at Cycle World in Concord to help, mainly the sale sides of it. But I have more time to invest in cycling.’’

And in Stoker’s case practice makes perfect.

“I am training 16 sessions a week. Each session is about 90 minutes,’’ he said.

“It’s almost the same workload as an elite.’’

Stokes puts his success down to his workload, gym work, starting technique and a “few things I can’t talk about’’.

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Stokes is one of four finalists for the NSW Sport Awards in the Masters athlete category.

Stoke is up against swimmer Clary Munns from Seven Hills, archer Elizabeth Hole from Leichhardt and NSW surf life saving Paul Lemmon from Forresters Beach.

The NSW Sports Awards winners will be announced at The Star Sydney on November 18.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/parramatta/gun-cyclist-geoff-stoker-a-master-on-the-velodrome-and-finalists-in-nsw-sport-awards/news-story/50cf3f48b1b96ba0b1f8b658c1590d63