Donaustadt professional cyclist Wolfgang Kotzmann wins silver at the World Championships!

Donaustadt professional cyclist Wolfgang Kotzmann wins silver at the World Championships!

Wolfgang Kotzmann from the Danube city has once again proven that cycling is not just for young people! After more than 40 years in the saddle, he secured runner-up world championship title in his age group (55-59 years) at the Track Cycling World Championships in Roubaix, France. He was the only Austrian in the master category to take part in this top-class competition. Kotzmann was not only an attentive participant, but also recovered brilliantly and took silver in the 7.5 kilometer competition. He also showed a solid performance in the points race with a seventh place.

Kotzmann began his cycling career at the tender age of 12. In the 1990s he was a member of the national team and was able to celebrate eight elite national championship titles and three World Cup medals. The highlight of his early career was the overall victory in the Tour of Hungary in 1994. After his time as an elite rider, he moved to the Masters category, where he became a three-time European champion and world champion in the M30-35 age group. Today he continues to compete in road races in Slovakia and rides for the CK Dukla Bratislava club.

The World of Masters

In the UCI, the term “Masters” refers to senior cyclists who compete in various disciplines such as track, road, cyclo-cross and mountain bike races. Competitions for Masters are held in numerous categories, including World, Continental and National Championships. Interestingly, the first official UCI Masters World Championships were founded by Ian Emmerson in 1995. To participate, athletes must be at least 35 years old and hold a valid Masters license as set out in UCI regulations. Participants may not be a member of a UCI-registered track team in the current season and should not have competed in any international elite races this year.

The age groups in Masters cycling are clearly regulated: riders are divided into five-year-old groups, ranging from 35-39 to 70 years and older. This division allows participants to meet competitors of the same age and compare their performances. If there are fewer than twelve participants in an age group, the classes can be combined, which does not reduce the competitive spirit.

Sport in old age

Kotzmann also emphasizes the importance of sport in older age. Cycling is not only an excellent way to stay physically fit, but also promotes mental freedom and relaxation. This is reflected in his active participation in competitions, which he takes part in with great commitment and passion. With his example, he inspires many others to pursue their sporting talent even after the age of 50 and to master new challenges.

Wolfgang Kotzmann's successes are both a reason to celebrate and an impressive motivation for everyone who thinks that their best days are already over. The runner-up world championship title could not only represent personal success for Kotzmann, but also be a call to others to get back in the saddle and realize their own dreams in cycling.

For more information about the UCI Masters Track Cycling regulations, please visit the World Masters Track Website or learn more about the Masters category on Wikipedia).