All the events took place over 2, 3 or 4 laps of the 40 Kms circuit, depending upon the age category, with average speeds of 40 kph being recorded for some events.

The popular events were incorporated in to the annual week of cycling which has now been held at St Johann for 31 years and is known the world over as the Mecca for masters road cycling. The interest is so widespread that this year the medals were divided between 16 nationalities, Belgium (9), Germany (9), USA (5), Italy (4), France (4), Great Britain (3), South Africa (2), Holland (2), Switzerland (2), Czech Republic (2), Australia (1), Slovenia (1), Latvia (1), Spain (1), Sweden (1) and Bielorussia (1).

A well-known name taking part for the first time was Australian Danny Clark who became the 45-49 year age group champion. Another well-known name Ian Hallam of Great Britain added to his track titles of 1998 with a victory in the 50-52 year group.

A new event having experimental status this year was the Individual Road Time Trial, which had attracted 50 entries on an experimental basis. However such was the interest that the UCI Masters Commission is considering its promotion to an official championship when as many as 700 competitors would compete in 9 age groups for men and 5 for women.

The Commission held a meeting during the week and considered the many varied aspects of the UCI Masters Programme. Since its establishment 5 years ago it has now assured Championships in all age groups for men and women in road racing, track racing, cyclo cross and mountain bike. All four disciplines have assured contracts with organisers for the next 3 or 4 years which will allow the events to further increase in popularity. The Commission also discussed Licensing, Anti-doping, National Federation Programmes, World Masters Games, Continental Championships, Track Best Times and Distances, and Publicity.

The Union Cycliste Internationale would like to thank Race Organisers of the Rad Union Tirol, Harald Baumann and Christian Wanner, together with the officials and community of St Johann and the Austrian Cycling Federation, for another excellent promotion. We look forward to the new millennium and August 2000 for the 6th UCI World Masters Road Race Championships.

The next major events in World Masters Cycling are the Mountain Bike Championships at Bromont, Canada from September 2nd to 5th and the Track Championships in Manchester, Great Britain from September 21st to 26th.

Thanks to Mr Ian Emmerson, President of the UCI Masters' Commission, for this report.