Invercargill cyclist Peter Grandiek marked his 95th birthday not with a quiet celebration, but by shattering a cycling world record. Taking to the boards at the ILT Stadium Southland Velodrome, Grandiek rode an astonishing 22.948 kilometres in exactly 60 minutes, setting a new global benchmark for the Men’s 95+ age category.
The previous record stood at 20.151 kilometres, meaning Grandiek surpassed the existing distance by nearly three kilometres. Overseen by officials from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the sport's global governing body, the performance stands as a powerful testament to lifelong mobility and resilience.
In his 20s, Grandiek emigrated from the Netherlands to New Zealand with very few possessions. Settling in Southland, sports took a backseat for several decades as he focused on working and raising five children with his late wife. It wasn't until his 70s, when running became too taxing on his joints, that he officially took up cycling to maintain his health. What began as a fitness routine in 2007 quickly transformed into a competitive passion. Within weeks of starting, he was already participating in regional masters competitions.
Defying All Medical Odds
Grandiek's world-record ride is even more staggering given his medical history. He is a heart attack survivor who underwent a triple bypass surgery, and he has successfully battled cancer. Rather than letting these health challenges slow him down, Grandiek utilised disciplined training as an integral part of his recovery process.
Before the event, Grandiek joked about his "95 laps for 95 years" objective, targeting a distance that he had successfully managed in training. His physical preparation involved training twice a week on the track, alongside home workouts on a stationary bike and targeted gym routines. When asked by reporters why he continues to chase these records, his answer was characteristic of his modest demeanor: "Something to fill in time... I'm trying to keep as mobile as I could possibly be."
Riding for a Greater Cause
Grandiek’s birthday event was organized not just for personal glory, but to give back to the Southland community. His historic ride raised vital awareness and funds for Hospice Southland, continuing a long personal tradition of charitable cycling events. He previously completed a grueling 111-kilometre charity ride from Mossburn to Invercargill at age 91 to support the Cancer Society, and celebrated his 90th birthday with a four-hour track ride for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
With his family, local supporters, and the wider cycling community cheering from the grandstands, Peter Grandiek proved that age is no barrier to excellence. His advice to anyone looking for an excuse to avoid exercise is simple: "Get up and do something... get going and move."