Menlo Park residents set national cycling records

Two Menlo Park residents, masters athletes MaryAnn Levenson and Jim Turner, recently set three national cycling records at the Hellyer velodrome in San Jose.

National and world cycling records for masters athletes are maintained in 5-year age groups. Levenson set a national record in the women’s 55-59 age group for the “hour” competition (how far you can ride a track bike in one hour in a velodrome). Turner set national records in the men’s 75-79 age group for the 2-kilometer individual pursuit and for the “hour.”

Levenson rode 38,122 meters in an hour and Turner rode 35,062 meters.

The 2-kilometer pursuit is a timed event to see how quickly one can ride two kilometers (six laps at the Hellyer velodrome). Turner finished in 2:58.275.

Track bikes are single-speed, fixed-gear bikes with no brakes. The velodrome is an arena for track cycling.

Both Levenson and Turner are coached by Menlo Park resident Dan Smith, owner of SportVelo coaching. Both athletes are planning attempts at the World Hour record for their age group.

The Hellyer velodrome offers classes on Saturday mornings to beginners. Rental bikes cost $5, a training session costs $5, and Hellyer Park parking is $6. After attending three Saturday morning sessions, riders are qualified to compete at the track.

Submitted by Jim Turner