In the saddle at 78: how Sid Barras trains
At 78, former professional cyclist Sid Barras continues to ride four to five times a week, pushing the pace on climbs and maintaining his competitive spirit. His fitness is the result of decades of staying active—the bicycle has been a constant in Sid’s life since his youth and has long since become an integral part of his daily routine.
How and how much he drives
Sid combines solo training with company trips. His approximate schedule looks like this:
| week day | Ride |
|---|---|
| Monday | About 40 km, solo, with accelerations |
| Tuesday | 40–48 km with a companion, or up to 64 |
| wednesday | rest day |
| Thursday | 48–64 km |
| Friday | about 48 km |
| Saturday | Group ride - up 97 km |
| Sunday | No ride due to heave trafficвтомобильного движения |
These are potential outings, not a mandatory schedule; in practice, Sid usually rides four to five days a week. In an especially good week, he might cover around 320 km, though the volume decreases in the winter.
Kilometers and short bursts of effort
It is important for Sido to feel the physical load, so during certain rides he incorporates up to five three-minute accelerations. He notes that he performs these at about 95% effort, with the final one done at full intensity. Occasionally, he also carries out one-minute accelerations on familiar stretches of road.
Principles that help him keep going
Consistency. After his career ended, Sid kept riding. Staying in motion remained a regular part of his week.
Pleasure. He enjoys cycling, the Yorkshire countryside, and familiar routes. His advice is to choose an activity you’ll want to return to.
Company and support. Many of his friends are involved in cycling. Group rides, conversations, stops for tea, and the support of his family all turn these trips into a part of his social life.
An interest in exertion. He still enjoys testing himself and maintaining a competitive edge. At the same time, the amount of riding he does varies depending on the weather and circumstances.
Willingness to adapt. Sid is open to switching to an e-bike in the future: the assistance on hills would allow him to keep enjoying his favorite activity for longer.
Sid’s story is inspiring for its consistency and his ongoing zest for life. To draw from his example, you can start with what works for you—choosing a manageable level of activity, a favorite route, and the habit of staying regularly active.