Bastide wins gold, bronze medals

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – Marcel Bastide took home gold and bronze medals in the 2003 National Senior Olympics.

Bastide, a transplanted Frenchman who resides in Orrington, won the gold medal in a photo finish in the 20K bicycle race and took the bronze medal in the 10K race, only nine seconds from the top spot.

“Training is the key,” said Bastide, “you can’t just hop on the bike and go. You must do a lot of training and planning.”

He started training inside during the last day of November, but lost three weeks of training after being broadsided by a car in January. Bastide was able to heal up and continue practicing. He draws support from Ski Rack, Pat’s Bike Shop, and other sponsors.

This is the second year the 59-year-old has competed on the national level. In 2001 he won the gold medal in the 20K when the event was held in Baton Rouge, La.