A Halesowen cyclist is celebrating after becoming a world champion - at the age of 74.

Walter Fowler claimed gold in the men’s over 70s 500 metre time trial at the UCI Track Cycling Masters World Championships which were held recently in Sydney, Australia.

Completing two laps of the velodrome in just over 40 seconds and at speeds topping 30mph, the grandfather-of-two defeated a strong field which included a former Tour de France stage winner.

His achievement was made all the more remarkable by the fact he only recently returned to racing since originally retiring in 1958. Walter revealed he was persuaded to return to the track by fellow members at Halesowen Athletics and Cycling club.

He said: “To be honest I didn’t think I was good enough. I was used to tour cycling but that’s a lot different to racing.

“To achieve something like this after 50 years away makes it so special.

“I have done a few things in my cycling life - this is the best of the lot.”

To prepare for the event Walter underwent a gruelling fitness regime which involved circuit and weight training along with frequent weekend trips to practice on a track in Newport, South Wales.

The Kinver resident is no stranger to a challenge having cycled some of Europe’s highest peaks. He also completed a 750-mile tour of America’s Pacific coast in 2004.

Walter said fully intends to return to Australia next year to defend his title.

He added: “The older you get in life the more you realise you haven’t got long to go.

“It was the spirit of adventure which made me return to the track - I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”