Chauner medals in national cycling

Whitefish's Walt Chauner placed fourth in his age group July 15 at the USA Cycling National Road Championships in Seven Springs, Pa.

Chauner, 54, raced in the masters men age 55-59 division because he will turn 55 this year. There were over 100 cyclists in his group.

Chauner's Flathead Cycling teammate Jeff Penrod also raced, competing in the masters men age 50-54 division.

Over 2,000 cyclists from every state and several foreign countries competed for national championship jerseys in their respective age groups. The 50-mile road course included 7,000 feet of climbing in hot, humid conditions.

Chauner was in a pack with several riders, trailing the top three for much of the race. But he broke away from the pack and sprinted uphill through the course's final 400 meters to win a national medal.

"It was a great thrill to be able to compete on a national level with guys that have amazing cycling careers and are still really into it," Chauner said. "I loved representing Montana and it is very satisfying seeing all the hard work pay off. I am super motivated for next year."

Because Montana's weather only allows him to race six or seven months a year, Chauner was pleasantly surprised with his strong performance. Many of his competitors had extensive professional cycling experience and race year-round on bikes that cost as much as $10,000.

Chauner trains on stationary bicycles during months he can't race and stays in shape by skiing up to 100 days a year. He couldn't help but marvel at the athletic specimens he saw in Pennsylvania.

"The cool thing about the nationals was, to a lot of people, 55-plus seems like an old age to be doing this stuff," Chauner said. "You ought to see the guys who are 70-plus. The fitness of the people there alone is worth the trip."

Chauner is also a mountain biker and hopes to race in both the road cycling and mountain bike nationals next year. He could attend only one event this year because the two nationals were held on the same weekend.

"It was one of the coolest things I think I've ever done," Chauner said. "You almost look forward to getting older to get to another age category."