On 20 October, as he celebrates his 95th birthday, Peter Grandiek will attempt to make cycling history by setting a new world distance record for the 95-100 year age group, all while raising funds for Hospice South.
To claim the record, Peter must ride an incredible 21.5 kilometres within one hour. When asked what distance he hopes to achieve, he was initially reluctant to say, but eventually admitted that his personal goal is even more ambitious – 23 kilometres.
Peter will make his attempt on a track bike that has undergone a comprehensive inspection by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body for world cycling. The official record process also requires post-event drug testing, an expense generously covered by Calder Stewart and Cruickshank Pryde.
This is not Peter’s first brush with cycling success. In 2015, he set a world-best distance record in the 80-84 year age group, covering an astonishing 29.634 kilometres in one hour.
Peter’s life story is as remarkable as his sporting achievements. Born in the Netherlands, he survived the Nazi occupation of Holland as a child before emigrating to New Zealand at the age of 22 as an assisted immigrant. He initially worked for the New Zealand Railways in Lumsden before becoming a painter and eventually establishing his own successful painting business.
Over the years, Peter lived throughout Southland and Otago, later running a deer farm focused on breeding stock. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he played rugby throughout his younger years before discovering a passion for cycling, a sport that continues to challenge and inspire him today.
Hospice South is honoured that Peter has chosen to dedicate this extraordinary world record attempt to raising funds for our services. His determination, resilience, and commitment to supporting his community are truly inspiring.
This is not Peter’s first contribution to Hospice South. In 2015, following the sale of the Invercargill Dutch Club’s clubrooms, the club donated $40,000 to Hospice South and other charities, in accordance with its constitution, which requires proceeds from property sales to be given to charitable causes. Peter advocated for Hospice South to be included, helping secure a significant donation that has supported the care of local patients and families.
Peter would also like to acknowledge Ben Stewart from Calder Stewart for arranging for the velodrome track to be officially measured by Bonisch at no cost, helping make this record attempt possible.
Peter’s world record attempt will take place at 6.00pm on Tuesday 20 October at the ILT Velodrome.
If you would like to support Peter in his fundraising efforts on behalf of Hospice South, please donate to his campaign via the Hospice South website.
At 95 years of age, Peter continues to prove that determination knows no age limit. We wish him every success as he takes on this incredible challenge.