A PENSIONER is about to pedal his millionth mile after spending 67 years in the saddle.

Russ Mantle, 82 — referred to by friends as Mile-Eater Mantle — began recording his distances in 1952.

5 Russ Mantle, 82, is set to clock one million miles cycling Credit: Solent News

5 Mr Mantle, pictured in 1955, got his first bike in 1951

On Thursday he’ll make history as he cycles five miles to a cafe on his Holdsworth bike, which he’s owned since 1964.

Russ, who will be greeted by pals and presented with an award from Cycling UK, said: “When I think about it, it is quite the achievement, I suppose.

“In my early days, cycling was all I thought about and it was the ­natural thing to do.”

Now a retired civil ­servant and living in Aldershot, Hants, Russ got his first bike in 1951.

His best cycling year was 2001 when he rode 22,250 miles — nearly equal to around the world.

He has taken part in dozens of races and cycled the highest passes in Europe, the US and Canada — with his favourite being the Pico de Veleta in Granada, Spain.

He said: “When I got to the top, people clapped.”

most read in uk news HAPPY MEAL McDonald’s worker pays customer’s bill after he calls mum to ask for her order Exclusive HAPPY MEAL McDonald’s worker who paid for lad’s meal has secretly bought food for MONTHS HERE WE SNOW! Leeds hit by SNOW as temps plummet to -5 as Brits brace for 65mph gusts today LOCKED IN Top SAGE scientists had a plan for EVERYONE over the age of 45 to shield at home Latest RELENTLESS RISE Coronavirus cases hit highest ever Saturday with 6,042 infections Exclusive VIRUS VICTORY Miracle Covid patient leaves ICU after record 172 days since he fell ill

Due to his age, this year he will cover around 8,000 miles — his lowest ever.

But Russ is still the proud owner of five bikes, having sold his car in 2015 because he was only driving 50 miles a year.

Cycling UK chief executive Paul Tuohy said: “Russ is an inspiration and shows us all what is possible.”

5 The retired civil servant has been recording his mileage in bike diaries Credit: Solent News

5 Mile-eater Mantle has spent 67 years in the saddle

5 On Thursday, the 82-year-old will make history as he cycles five miles to a cafe Credit: Solent News

Kate Garraway crashes into a wall as she cycles round the Good Morning Britain studio