The 100 mile race at the 2010 Highland Fling will be the most open at the race in years
We are less than a week away from Australia’s Highland Fling Marathon. On a typically fast course, the racing will be close in each the Elite race, as well as the open and age group categories of the 100 kilometre course. If unseasonably wet weather in the area continues, the determined racers will prevail.
However the most interesting result could come from the 100 mile (160 kilometre) version. Waiting for the result of a 100 mile mountain bike marathon is a test of endurance akin to the event itself. Courses head off a long way into the wilderness usually, and tend to take a long time to complete. But adding interest to the event this year is the fact that the winner of the previous four Highland Fling 100 milers, Dennis ‘T2000’ Van Mill, will not be there to defend his title.
So who will take the crown? With only 31 people signing on for the Mens 100 mile race, MarathonMTB.com has done some research into the field to try and narrow down the list of the ‘men-most-likely’. It will be interesting to see how those who finished the 24 hour Solo Champs compare to those who didn’t finish and, in turn, those that didn’t take part in that particular full-day adventure.
Craig ‘Spoon Boy’ Armour may still be recuperating from the Solo 24 hour Worlds. He’s no slouch though, so should finish in the top-10, if he can be persuaded to avoid the Alchemists beer esky (cooler or chilly-bin for our respective US and New Zealand readers).
Graeme ‘Biscuit’ Arnott is the potential sleeper in this crew. While he may not be known to some of the other starters, the Biscuit is pure class. He has a level head on his shoulders that will see him ride his own race and manage his efforts precisely. This guy can and has stood on the podium in Europe, and is probably doing a time trial in the rain as you’re reading this. Look for him on the podium.
Jamie Bailey was frustratingly close to the top-10 last year. Dependant on form since an injury in late September, he may well step up for a single digit result in 2010.
John Blankenstein should go into the event with a great level of confidence with his gold medal performance at the Solo 24 hour Worlds in his age group. The question will be: How is his recovery going? This also applies to Jason McAvoy, who took out his age group too. Only the riders themselves will know, but Blankenstein could well be sniffing around the podium next Sunday, with McAvoy nearby.
Mike Blewitt – well who knows. The experience is there to finish. However after a long European summer campaign and subsequent medically-induced time off the bike, his form is a bit of an unknown.
Wade Carberry is the man to watch should things get muddy. After taking out the Division 1 CX series near Wollongong early in 2010, he has shown he has the skills, and local banter suggests he is moving pretty quickly at the moment.
Brendan Den is a local, and has form at the moment. Enough said – he’s a contender. Even riding Singlespeed.
Peter Feain is an experienced athlete and trainer. Undoubtedly he will have used his expertise to bring his level up for the 100 mile Fling. He’s a dark horse, but I’d expect him in or around the top-10.
Mark Fenner should be confident of duking it out for the win – but with who?
Pat Howard is to endurance mountain-biking what fat laces are to Adidas trainers. Recent preparation may not have been ideal, but Howard is an endurance stalwart and could sneak into the top-five depending how hard the hammer goes down.
Sydney resident Francis Le Brun has been around endurance mountain biking long enough to roll in with confidence. Along with Clayton Locke of Canberra he can handle himself in marathons and enduros. A top-five result for either rider should be possible. Andrew Hall and Arran Pearson should be close behind.