Competitive streak thwarts veteran's big-race goal

Doug Bates, 81, overextended himself while go-karting and will now play only a minor role at the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge this weekend. Photo / Richard Robinson

He's an 81-year-old retired former accountant but Doug Bates still has a competitive streak which can sometimes land him in trouble.

Mr Bates had planned to race in this weekend's 160km Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and at his age would have been one of the oldest competitors among the 11,000-plus field.

But because of an injury he received while trying to beat two of his grandchildren - aged 12 and 14 - in a go-karting race, Mr Bates will have to settle for a minor role in New Zealand's largest one-day cycling event.

"The little sods were beating me and I didn't really want to lose, it's pretty tough when your grandchildren beat you," he said.

"I had a bit of a crash and got a few cracked ribs ... everybody laughs but it's not that funny, it can be pretty hard to sleep."

As a boy, Mr Bates used to ride a mile-and-a-half each day to Takapuna Grammar school.

He did not get back on to a bicycle until he was in his early seventies, when his knees became too sore for him to run any longer.

Since then, Mr Bates, who is the treasurer of the Penrose Business Association, has completed the Lake Taupo cycling event eight times.

A member of the Manukau city veteran's cycle team, Mr Bates' raceday will begin in the wee hours of Saturday morning as a support man for his friend Noel de Charmoy, who starts a 320km endurance slog at 1am at Taupo.

Mr Bates said he would drive behind his friend in his car before joining him 280km later for the final 40km of his mate's marathon effort.