PERFORMANCE SPORTS
in the third stage of life
You are only old when you use your age as an excuse to stop doing something.
Joe Friel (coaching legend USA)
Getting older doesn’t necessarily mean being old! This project aims to show that intensive sport can maintain physical and mental performance into old age, improve quality of life and slow down the ageing process.
About me
Beat Stebler, born 1961, pensioner
I am a passionate cyclist with a clear goal in mind. What began as a personal project has developed into a sporting challenge. I love pushing boundaries and finding out what is still possible at an advanced age. I would also like to motivate you to take your trainers, hiking boots or cycling shoes out of the cupboard and start doing sport.
Agenda
By taking part in international competitions and setting myself the long-term goal of breaking the over-70s hourly world record, I am combining sporting ambition with a clear message: it is never too late to set yourself goals and work consistently towards them.
Training camp Vaduz April 24 to 26, 2026
As part of my preparation, I take part in the Wyss Training training camp. The camp offers structured and supervised training sessions with a focus on technique, performance and racing practice. Under professional guidance, I work specifically on my skills and gather important training stimuli in direct exchange with experienced coaches and other athletes. Link…
Gran Fondo Vaduz April 25, 2026
As part of my preparation, I will be taking part in the Chasing Cancellara road race. The route covers 57 kilometers with an elevation gain of around 810 meters and requires a good combination of endurance, strength and racing intelligence. For me, this race is an ideal opportunity to test my form in competition conditions and build up additional race fitness. Link…
Anadia Portugal training camp from May 3 to 10, 2026
First-class track cycling training camp. Daily training on one of the best track facilities in Europe. The camp offers optimal conditions and is led by specialized trainers. For me, the focus is clearly on sprinting, with the aim of working specifically on technique, cadence and race tactics. Link…
UCI Masters Track World Championships October 5 to 11, 2026
My current focus is on taking part in the Masters Track World Championships. I will be competing in the sprint and 500 meter time trial disciplines. My times in the 500m TT currently put me in the top 15 in the world in the 65-69 age category. Link…
BASICS
Fitness, strength and therefore athleticism are, alongside talent, the basic prerequisites for top performance.
Fitness
Fitness training is a comprehensive concept that promotes general health as well as physical performance. Fitness is a prerequisite for top-class sport.
Athletics
Athleticism refers to the physical ability to perform sports or other physically demanding activities with skill, strength, speed, endurance and coordination.
Power
Strength training focuses specifically on developing and strengthening the muscles. It is becoming increasingly important in elite sport in the third phase of life.
LITERATURE
In the following, I will introduce you to three books that form the basis for achieving my goals. I deliberately looked for books that explained to me what happens to my body in the third stage of life and what I can do to stay fit and productive.
Inspiration & guidance
Joe Friel’s book goes into great depth and his knowledge is backed up by many studies. It deals with ageing in elite sport and explores the causes and influencing factors that are responsible for the loss of performance in old age. Joe offers solutions for training, nutrition and what else you need to change in your life…
The A+O for cyclists
It’s no use to me if you install a 500 hp engine in an old car. The fuselage will be torn apart by the force of the engine in the long run!
Cyclists need strong legs – no question? But if the torso doesn’t cooperate, this often ends in injury. Cyclists in particular, with their bent posture, must be especially careful here.
The learning book
I haven’t gotten very far with this book yet, the other two books are quite nutritious. It’s time to learn again.
As soon as I can tell you more about the book, I will report on it here.