Signs that you're an ageing pro cycling fan

[smutchin]

Noticed a rider in the Dubai Tour called Nathan Van Hooydonck. First reaction was, oooh, I remember watching his dad race! Obviously there have been the likes of Axel Merckx and Nico Roche as well, but it doesn't feel that long ago since Edwig Van Hooydonck was racing - he was going well into the late 90s, wasn't he? Around the same period as Erik Zabel, in fact, whose son Rick is also making a name for himself now.

(Actually, it turns out that Edwig is Nathan's uncle rather than his dad, although his dad was a minor pro as well - Gino Van Hooydonck, though I don't remember him.)

How long before we see a junior Wiggins in the pro ranks? When that happens, I'll start to feel really old.

 

[Sharky]

Noticed a rider in the Dubai Tour called Nathan Van Hooydonck. First reaction was, oooh, I remember watching his dad race! Obviously there have been the likes of Axel Merckx and Nico Roche as well, but it doesn't feel that long ago since Edwig Van Hooydonck was racing - he was going well into the late 90s, wasn't he? Around the same period as Erik Zabel, in fact, whose son Rick is also making a name for himself now.

(Actually, it turns out that Edwig is Nathan's uncle rather than his dad, although his dad was a minor pro as well - Gino Van Hooydonck, though I don't remember him.)

How long before we see a junior Wiggins in the pro ranks? When that happens, I'll start to feel really old.

Not forgetting that Wiggins senior was originally Wiggins junior. If the new Wiggins junior races, will be three generations - now that does make you feel old.

 

[roadrash]

Noticed a rider in the Dubai Tour called Nathan Van Hooydonck. First reaction was, oooh, I remember watching his dad race! Obviously there have been the likes of Axel Merckx and Nico Roche as well, but it doesn't feel that long ago since Edwig Van Hooydonck was racing - he was going well into the late 90s, wasn't he? Around the same period as Erik Zabel, in fact, whose son Rick is also making a name for himself now.

(Actually, it turns out that Edwig is Nathan's uncle rather than his dad, although his dad was a minor pro as well - Gino Van Hooydonck, though I don't remember him.)

How long before we see a junior Wiggins in the pro ranks? When that happens, I'll start to feel really old.

I had the same thought regarding Van Hooydonck.

and then for some reason I thought , you don't here names like,..Djamolodine mirgarifanovich abdoujaparov ,anymore do you

 

[smutchin]

Not forgetting that Wiggins senior was originally Wiggins junior.

True that, although I'd never heard of Gary until Brad became famous.

Axel Merckx has a couple of teenage daughters but I don't know if they are cyclists.

 

[rich p]

but I don't know if they are cyclists.

or indeed dopers, like Axel!

 

[psmiffy]

like Axel!

allegedly - its a bit mean spirited to accuse a 17yr old and a 14yr old

 

[rich p]

allegedly Pfffft!!!! - its a bit mean spirited to accuse a 17yr old and a 14yr old - I didn't

 

[cyberknight]

Steve Ovett`s son riding the jayco sun tour Freddy Ovett.

 

[MikeG]

The sons of people I played professional cricket with and against are coming up to retirement themselves now. It just can't be that long ago, surely?

(Don't call me Shirley)

 

[davidphilips]

Just wait until you look in the mirror some day and see your dad looking back at you?

 

[roadrash]

with some of the recent feeling old threads on here , I think some are seeing their granddad staring back

 

[iandg]

Not forgetting that Wiggins senior was originally Wiggins junior. If the new Wiggins junior races, will be three generations - now that does make you feel old.

Indeed, I went to watch the Skol 6 at Wembley before Gary Wiggins was racing the 6 day circuit.

I wonder how many of the British riders in the peloton are the sons of riders I raced against - I know Dan Martin is.

 

[Crackle]

with some of the recent feeling old threads on here , I think some are seeing their granddad staring back

It's all a bit fekkin morbid recently, like I've accidentally stumbled into a funeral parlour, not a cycling forum.

 

[Sharky]

Indeed, I went to watch the Skol 6 at Wembley before Gary Wiggins was racing the 6 day circuit.

I wonder how many of the British riders in the peloton are the sons of riders I raced against - I know Dan Martin is.

There's Maurice Burton former 6 day rider and his son.
I have raced against Chris Boardman's dad, or to rephrase - I have been in the same race as his dad. Keith B was a top rider.