Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra hosted the Australian Solo 24 Hour Championship during the Easter weekend. No surprise on the top podium spot as it was defending national and current world champion Jason English that added another green and gold jersey to his impressive palmares.
Racing for the Fitzroy Revolution team and finishing in a well deserved third place was Victorian rider Ashley Hayat.
Congratulations with your podium spot at the 24 hour Solo Nationals Ash! How do you feel about this result?
“I’m super-excited to finally get on to the ‘proper’ podium. I had a 4th place in 2011 but that only got me on to the dirt next to the podium. This time I had the privilege of watching Jason English struggle to zip up his extra-small National Champion’s jersey on my right-hand side while Brett Bellchambers struggled to breathe wearing his wife’s jeans (or ‘podium pants’ as he called them) on my left. It was certainly a special moment.”
You’ve been performing well over the last year, racing many stage races and enduro’s. Did you do any specific training for the 24 hour?
“I don’t do much specific training at all. I just love riding and racing. I had a few good weeks of solid training over Christmas and in January. I raced the Gravity 12-hour solo in Bright in February in order to get a good, long stint in the saddle and try out some different nutritional ideas – mainly revolving around Pepsi.”
24 hour racing is gaining popularity in Australia but the concept of racing through the night still scares of many riders. How did you make it through the night when it comes to food planning, rest intervals, having a good support crew?
“The night time component of the race is certainly very challenging, and I think it is really where Jason English stamps his authority on 24hour Solo Racing. For me, managing my energy levels is the key – there are always a few overnight laps when I don’t feel great but I have learnt that this is almost always due to low energy levels so it really is important to get a good amount of nutrition in during these periods.
“Unfortunately, rest is not really a feature of 24hour racing anymore – you really have to stay on the bike for the whole race in order to get a decent result. The races where I have got off the bike almost always ended with a DNF, so when I feel that coming on I try really hard to keep eating and drinking and usually the feeling passes.
“Having a good support crew is a massive advantage in getting through the night laps. I was fortunate to have my housemate Melinda Jackson leading my support crew and she did a fantastic job making sure that I was eating and drinking correctly, had lights and charged batteries on both bikes and provided a great deal of much-needed encouragement when things got tough. It cannot be overstated how important a good support crew is for a 24hour Solo race. A few years back I supported Brett Bellchambers at a wet and muddy Jeep 24hour race in Forrest and I remember him telling me that all he really wanted in terms of support was a friendly face to see in the pits each lap – this goes a long way to help ease the pain and suffering that undoubtedly comes on at some point during the race.
In October this year, Canberra will also be hosting the 24 Hour Solo World Championships. Will we see you at the start?
“Definitely. The WEMBO race is my main goal for the year. I didn’t make it to Italy last year but the 24 Hours of Adrenalin event that was hosted by CORC in conjunction with the Scott 24hour back in 2010 was incredible – I think it will be even bigger and better this year. If anybody is considering having a crack at a Solo 24, then I recommend doing the WEMBO World Champs because the atmosphere will be amazing.”
Thanks Ash!
