WEMBO – talking to contenders

The 2013 WEMBO Solo World 24hr Championships are just days away, taking place at Mt Stromlo outside Canberra, Australia. We know the course, we know what some of the riders think of it – but surely people have questions. How many solo races can someone do? What do you eat? How do you keep going?? Some questions were put to riders who will be racing at Stromlo this weekend – can anyone else stomach 48 gels?

Jason English – Merida

Jason English has winning ways leading into the WEMBO 24hr World Champs.

1. How many 24hr races have you done, solo, up to this point?

Six solo races done so far … no I idea on the number of km. Feels like a lot though!

2. Does 24hr racing challenge you more physically or mentally?

It is at least 50% mental. The body is an amazing thing, and it can actually be pushed way beyond normal limits. Getting your head into a good thought space, and keeping it there during a 24 can be a real challenge.

Andrew Hall rides into transition at the Scott 25hr. Photo: Kylie Webb

3. Who is your ideal pit crew?

My wife Robyn and a good mechanic.

4. Does a standalone 24hr Worlds race make the racing more prominent, or do you miss the atmosphere of a ‘race within a race’?

I always enjoy the solo-only races more then the 24hrs with teams. It means you can focus on your riding without all the slow traffic or the teams wizzing by. Plus, you know everyone on track is in the same position you are – solo and hurting.

5. Food: what gets you through 24hrs?

48 gels. Does Nurofen count as food?

Matt Page: Pivot Cycles – A Cycling

These days it’s more of a mental challenge. Especially the final 12hrs.

 I find it far more mentally challenging, the lead up and the racing. The big strain is “brain fatigue”. People ask, “what do you think about for 24hrs?”, I say, “actually not much, it will be a succession of, oh that rock came up again quick, a snippet of a song punctuates my thoughts, yep, just get up out of the saddle here, go hard, go 1% more, yes, downhill – I love this section…off the brakes…NOW, oh I made it up the other side further than last time – YEEESSS. must have a drink Norm will force me to drink more if I dont go in with empty bottle…and the thoughts go on in rotation

Jess Douglas on her new Giant Lust.

My pet hate is shopping for a 24hr, you never ever know what you will really feel like – you just know that you need a variation on hand at any given moment.

I have given up trying to love food whilst racing and just go with carbs carbs carbs and eat for fuel, not for love!

Matt Clutterham

1. How many 24hr races have you done, solo, up to this point?

This is my first 24 solo.

2. Does 24hr racing challenge you more physically or mentally?

I’m not sure if it will be more physical mental or nutritional.

Matt Clutterham high above Stromlo.

 3. Who is your ideal pit crew?

My first time pit crew is headed up by my pairs race team mate from last year. He knows racing, is well researched, organised and reliable.

4. Does a standalone 24hr Worlds race make the racing more prominent, or do you miss the atmosphere of a ‘race within a race’?

Being the worlds gave me an extra incentive to enter. I am glad there will be no teams rushing around at the same time.

 5. Food: what gets you through 24hrs?

Food is a tricky one. Lots of options will be on the table. Starting with savoury for as long as possible. I have made some home cooked savory energy foods too.