What is age anyway? For Roy Lopez, it’s nothing more than a fictional limit, a mere number devoid of real power. At 73, he proves that the true measure of vitality lies in the watts he pushes on his bike as he tackles serious cycling goals for the first time in his life.
Over the weekend, Lopez lined up with 859 fellow cyclists for the 50-mile race at Unbound. Actually measuring 55 miles, the course included 90% rocky but fast gravel, undulating rollers totaling 1,900 feet of climbing and one mud pit.
Lopez did it all with a smile, crossing the finish line in 3:09:58 and averaging an impressive 17.47 mph. In doing so, he not only secured victory in his 70+ age group, but also finished 53rd out of 590 men. It was his second win of the season after winning the 60+ age group at the Wild Horse Gravel in May.
“This means everything,” said an overjoyed Lopez as he clutched his wooden plaque after the awards ceremony. For him, this victory is a visual anchor, a motivation to continue striving for progress and exploring his limits.
“I have to tell you that I am just getting started. I don’t know where the boundaries are.”
Meet Roy
(Image credit: Yuri Hauswald)
Lopez is a realtor from Centennial, Colorado. His passion for cycling began as a child in Cuba, where he raced around the area with his brother and friends on a Schwinn single speed bike. Over the years he has evolved from exploring nature and chasing roadies on a hardtail mountain bike to riding fast on a road bike and finally in 2018 he found the “best of both worlds” in gravel riding. Each round brought new adventures and – no matter the falls – a deeper love for the sport.
“The bike is everything. A feeling of not only freedom, but only joy. I mean, people always say I’m smiling when I’m driving, and I’m like, ‘yeah, because I feel it!'” Lopez says.
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After a 45-year career in real estate, Lopez decided to work less, freeing up time to get serious about cycling.
“When I’m working, it’s 150%. When I ride a bike, it’s the same. But trying to do both was really hard,” Lopez explains.
“I do about 7 or 8 events a year. This is the first time I decided, you know, if I’m going to go to these things, I might as well win something. This year is the first time I’m trying to figure out where the limits are.’
His journey into competitive cycling began six months ago and was catalysed by the challenge of the Rapha Festive 500. Since then he has made a ‘contract between himself and the bike’ and thrown himself wholeheartedly into training.
Lopez follows the CTS training plan and has taken opportunities like the Trans Rockies Gravel Royale Camp in Patagonia, Arizona to learn from the pros. One of those pros is Gravel Hall of Famer Yuri Hauswald, who mentored Lopez this spring and even surprised him by showing up at the start line of the Unbound 50, ready to accompany him on his Kansas adventure.
“We got along great and he kind of took me under his wing,” Lopez says. “Yuri is the perfect example of an ambassador in the world of gravel cycling; selflessly giving and helping others. He taught me a few things about gravel and equipment that were awesome. I needed it because I was kind of a rookie.”
Lopez found that training works regardless of age.
“Age means nothing. It’s about attitude and work. Applying yourself is crucial to placing in the race,” he says. “Will I tire more quickly? Sure, it happens. So you’re just compensating for the reality of your age, but don’t let age be a barrier. It’s never too late. You don’t know your limits until you test them.”
Lopez is enjoying the learning process and is really excited about the training and progress he has made.
“The student’s ears are wide open. My eyes are open. If I could become a professional cyclist, it would be a dream come true,” he jokes. “If a nursing home wants to sponsor me because of my age, hey, go for it, I’ll do it. I just love it. It’s just the pure joy of being able to get out and be competitive and ride.
“The ultimate benefit is an improvement in your health, both physical and mental. The older you are, the more benefits you get from cycling at whatever level you choose. If you need an e-bike, get an e-bike, but just start pedaling. And then keep pedaling.”
The future is ambitious
Starting line for the 50 mile race: Yuri Hauswald, Anne-Marije Rook and Roy Lopez
(Image credit: Yuri Hauswald)
Looking ahead, Lopez has ambitious plans. His goal is to participate in more races, starting with the Marathon dles Dolomites, a 150 km road race with 14,000 feet of elevation gain. From there, he’ll attend “a few fun events” to finish the year, but Unbound 2025 is already his serious concern.
“I am absolutely excited about planning gravel races in 2025. The Unbound Gravel 100 miler is a must; however, I am seriously considering the 200 miles,” he says. “I believe this is the first year Unbound has offered a 70+ category for the 200, and I don’t believe any 70+ finished the 200 race this year. I learned that doing what hasn’t been done can set you apart from the crowd.”
Giving back is also a big part of Lopez’s cycling goals. He previously donated 67 bicycles to 67 medically vulnerable children in a regional hospital in the Dominican Republic. Now he looks at cyclists his own age.
“When I’m 75 and hoping to win more races, I’d like to start promoting cycling in old age,” he says.
We look forward to following Lopez’s journey and seeing how far his determination and spirit will take him at Unbound 2025 and beyond.