There is a Canadian cyclist who's just returned from the Commonwealth Games, having very nearly picked up a medal.

And while that in itself is impressive enough, throw in his age and lack of experience and this becomes a really interesting story.

In the sport of cycling a 38-year-old at the top of his game is unheard of, unless you're ‘The Real Deal’ Ed Veal. He has 20 years on some of his Canadian teammates.

“I told them I'm not their father,” jokes Veal. “So they call me ‘Uncle Ed’."

Whether he's called ‘Uncle Ed’ or The Real Deal’, Veal's story is that of the ultimate underdog.

"Four, five years ago this wasn’t even on the radar," says the rider.

But with news of the Pan-Ams (Pan-American Games) coming to Toronto in 2015, Veal got serious about racing; becoming the oldest rookie on the track.

"I borrowed a bike and never been on the track before and thought I'd give it a go."

Veal's debut: amazing! Finishing with silver and bronze at Nationals in 2012.

His girlfriend, Jessica Puddifant, wasn’t surprised at all.

“From the beginning I knew he could do it,” said Puddifant. “As soon as he put his dreams out there I knew that it was going to happen."

Now a seasoned veteran, Veal is home from Scotland (Commonwealth Games) with a 4th-place finish in the team pursuit event. Canada's most impressive showing in years.

"It's inspiring especially for us at the Barrie cycling club,” says Brendan Matheson, “to see a local guy like Ed Veal at the Commonwealth Games."

The competition he's facing is world class.

Bradley Wiggins, a former Olympic and Tour de France champion settled for silver in Scotland with team England.

Veal's up against men who ride an average of more than five hours a day.

"That's never been my life. I'm a dad, I have a business and I have so much going on that I just go out there find the time every day for an hour and just give it all I have."

And his best seems to be better than most.

"We used to race mountain bikes,” remembers Matheson, “and now I can’t even hold his wheel."

Veal says he will keep riding until he reaches the top of his game.

"One big goal is Rio 2016. I want to be an Olympian at 40," exclaims the cyclist.

Veal did not decide on the Olympics until November of last year.

With the Commonwealth Games under his belt, Veal is now training for the Pan-Am Games in 2015.

He also races closer to home, accumulating points on the UCI circuit with hopes of booking his ticket to the games in Rio.