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THERAPY Magazin
Senior cyclists take the stage: The Road Worlds for Seniors begins

Thousands of seniors and people with dementia join the Road Worlds for Seniors – a global indoor cycling championship focused on joy, ability, and community. Discover how this inspiring event promotes movement, connection, and pride for participants worldwide.

Author
Jan Inge Ebbesvik
President, Road Worlds for Seniors
A global cycling championship celebrating seniors’ strength, unity, and spirit.
Road Worlds for Seniors is the only global indoor championship for seniors and people with dementia. Every year, thousands of cyclists from nursing homes, day care centers and senior centers participate. Motiview’s video library is the solution behind the Road Worlds for Seniors championship. With over 2,200 videos, participants can cycle to local videos and reminisce as they pedal, or explore the world
with international videos.

With the Olympic Games now behind us, the spotlight shifts to a different set of champions – the senior cyclists competing in the Road Worlds for Seniors.

With 254 teams and 6,986 cyclists from 10 countries, the 2023 Road Worlds for Seniors set a new record as the largest edition to date. The participants collectively covered an astonishing 229,930 kilometres, which is equivalent to more than five laps around the Earth! Leading the charge was Bruyere Village from Canada, followed closely by Dypedalsåsen from Norway and Harbison Moss Vale from Australia.
Not everyone who takes part in the Road Worlds for Seniors remembers being there due to dementia. But imagine being constantly reminded why the medal is hanging there!
Road Worlds for Seniors is a unique championship that was first held in 2017. For just over four weeks each year, it gives thousands of seniors and individuals living with dementia the opportunity to participate in a global sports event – a world championship in cycling.
In this championship, there are no qualifications or specific eligibility requirements. Here, everyone can participate – regardless of their level of function or age. The focus is on abilities rather than disabilities, prioritising socialising and a sense of belonging to a team. Last year the oldest cyclist was a 106 year old woman who actually received her first ever medal in her life- due to her participation in the world’s only global cycling championship for residents in care!
In our championship, everyone can participate, whatever their functional level. We focus on abilities, not disabilities. It is important that all participants can take part in the joy this competition brings – both in their local area and across international borders.
In all championships, there are winners. Road Worlds for Seniors is no exception and rewards the world’s only cycling competition for seniors and individuals living with dementia. Champions for women, men, and teams receive big trophies, honour, and glory. However, in RWS, all participants are rewarded for their efforts - regardless of the distance they have cycled. Physical activity, camaraderie, mastery, and joy are the most important principles. Therefore, all participants receive their own medal and a certificate!

The competition engages older people in meaningful social interactions and increases the sense of social connectedness. It has become an annual highlight for seniors and employees both domestically and internationally. In 2022, it brought together over 5,600 cyclists from seven countries.
We love the medals, and our residents are so proud of them, sometimes wearing them for cycling. Some clients expressed they ’never thought they would earn a medal this late in their life.
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Author
Jan Inge Ebbesvik
President, Road Worlds for Seniors
Jan Inge Ebbesvik took the lead as president of the Road Worlds for Seniors when it started in 2017. Every year since, he’s played a key role in making sure seniors globally have a place to come together and compete.
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