Cycling at 50: João's Comeback

João is a 50-year-old real estate professional from Lisbon. He is also proof that it is never too late to chase a goal – or to rediscover an old passion.

A second cycling life

His love for two wheels started early, with enduro motorcycles. In the early 2000s he switched to road cycling, and for years riding gave him freedom, fitness and the thrill of endurance. Then life took over. Work, responsibilities and time away from the saddle slowly took his form and his motivation.

Everything changed at the start line of one of the early Granfondo Torres Vedras events. João noticed a new energy there: a strong community of riders and a name that stood out – Portugal Cycling Academy, the name Portcycling was known by at the time.

"At first I thought it was called 'Portugal Cycling Alliance'," João laughs. "But I felt immediately drawn to the spirit and structure of what they were doing."

He joined in September 2024.

From 165 W to 230 W

When João started, his FTP (Functional Threshold Power – the power you can hold for about an hour) was 165 watts. A clear reminder of the years away from training. But he didn't let the number define him. His goal was simple:

"I just wanted to ride 100 kilometres and feel good doing it. That was it."

With a structured plan, regular coaching and group rides, things began to move. João stuck to the process, and little by little the old fire came back – this time with better tools and smarter preparation.

His proudest moment came at the UCI Granfondo Coimbra on March 2, 2025. His target was an average of 28 km/h. He finished at 32.5 km/h.

What the data shows

"This chart shows João's structured, consistent preparation for the UCI Granfondo Coimbra. From a low starting point in September he built his fitness (CTL) gradually over several months. His training load peaked in mid-to-late February, followed by a well-executed taper – you can see the drop in fatigue (ATL) and the positive form (TSB). He arrived at the start line fresh, confident and in peak condition. A textbook example of long-term planning, smart load management and race-day readiness." – Portcycling coaching team

What made the difference

João doesn't talk in training jargon. What he values most is calm consistency and a good rhythm.

"The coach is excellent, and the community is always there. I enjoy the relaxed group rides just as much as the focused intervals. It's a balance that keeps me engaged."

The physical change is easy to measure. The other one matters even more to him:

"I'm training consistently, and I feel better – on and off the bike. My fitness, my motivation and my general wellbeing have all improved."

His advice to riders over 40

"If you want to reach a better level, you need professional, structured training. If you're open to it and willing to be disciplined, it really works."

And when we asked what he is most proud of:

"It's not about one big achievement – it's the path itself. The process. That's what I'm proud of."

Your story could be next

Whether you are 25 or 55, you can still get stronger, faster and happier on the bike. Structure, a coach who knows your numbers and a group that supports you – that is what worked for João.

Planning your own comeback?

João's progress came from three things: knowing his numbers, a plan built around his life and a coach who adjusted it week by week. Two of our 2027 camps are built around exactly that:

• Open The Season · Calpe, January 2027 – power profile testing on day 2, a plan and race calendar for the year, then 1 month of remote coaching at home. The ideal start if you have a gran fondo in spring.
• Altitude Road Camp · Sierra Nevada, May 17–31, 2027 – a structured altitude block for gran fondo riders and amateur racers, as a spring block before early-summer goals. For riders who already train at least 8 hours a week.

Not sure where to start? Read what a cycling coach actually does or tell us about your goal.