University of Utah cyclist pedaling with teammates half his age

LAYTON — Watching the University of Utah cyclist climb Trappers Loop on his bike, one might find it difficult to believe that Walter Blanco is 50 years old.

He'll ride from his home in Layton up the canyon to Powder Mountain for his weekend workout, approximately a four-hour round trip.

Blanco has been cycling for the past five years. Last year, he started attending the University of Utah to get his degree when he heard about the cycling team.

"It was a little bit of a surprise because I'm riding with people about 25 years old," Blanco said. "I'm twice as old as them."

But Blanco didn't worry about it.

"I'm a late bloomer," Blanco casually said.

Because of the nature of the club, Blanco can compete with the Utah cyclists without a problem. His only restriction is that he is not allowed to compete at nationals because he is not a full-time student.

However, Blanco is fine with taking the slow but steady pace. He moved to the United States from Costa Rica when he was 30 years old. When he arrived, he didn't speak a word of English. He attended a community college to learn the language but left to help raise his young children. Soon after, Blanco discovered he was a decent runner.

He competed in marathons across the country with a 2:36 personal best at the St. George Marathon. When tendinitis disrupted his 18-year running career, Blanco began cycling as cross-training.

He instantly fell in love with the sport and shifted gears, so to speak. Now he rides approximately 200 miles every week, all the while balancing school, work and family life. Last year, Blanco's employer encouraged him to get his degree and offered tuition support, so Blanco decided it was time to return and finish his education. He attends part-time and is on track to graduate in 2010.

"It's mostly for personal accomplishment," Blanco said. "I want to be an example for my kids to show how important college is."

He goes into work early so he can take a 20-mile ride as part of his lunch break. After work, he attends his evening classes at the U. and returns home at around 8 p.m. On weekends, Blanco rides solo for 80 miles, rides with the university team or competes in one of about 15 races a year.