The Scott Australian 24 Hour MTB Championship 2011

The lucky country has produced more than its fair share of World Solo 24 Hour Elite Mountain Bike Champions: Craig Gordon in 2006, James Williamson in 2008, and Jason English taking line honours in both 2009 and 2010 and Jess Douglas claiming the win in 2010 Women’s Elite.

Why is it that Aussies are so over-represented in the winners circle in this most gruelling format of MTB racing? The Europeans don’t dominate here, but they don’t choose to participate either. Are our riders just suckers for punishment, or is it just the ingrained competitive streak of a nation obsessed by sport, or perhaps the evolution of a tougher breed of rider brought on by our rugged landscape and harsh climate?

Whatever the reason, the success of our riders in previous years spurred CORC (the organisers) on to make the 2010 Scott the best world solo 24 hour championships ever, with 411 riders from 16 countries entered – over twice the size of the previous biggest world championships and nearly 4 times the size of the 2009 world championships.

This year the two lap ‘hourglass’ formation chosen from the various sections of Mt Stromlo trails, made for an interesting course and spread the huge numbers of riders well, ensuring no choking bottlenecks and open racing. The inclusion of the ‘Skyline / Luge’ section made for a fast and swoopy descent giving riders a welcome breather, and a guaranteed smile on the dial as they raced down the mountain into the transition area.

As well as the solo riders the teams categories were on course having a ball, tagging out for a break while their team mates carry out their own personal assault on the mountain. Down time between laps is fun, refuelling, rehydrating, laughing and hanging out with teammates and supporters camped across the mountainside. Event central at the Scott makes for a civilised affair with permanent international standard event facilities—loos and showers to handle large crowds. It’s always well endowed with food and drink options as well, plus the usual merchandise offering of mementos, parts and accessories for the gear heads with cash burning holes in their pockets.

Riding for 24 hours straight is a supreme test of endurance, but for English, racing against 2,000 others and his toughest competition in the shape of Ed McDonald and Andrew Hall, was going to make this roll in Stromlo Mountain Bike park a little more interesting.

Ed rode away from the pack in early laps though was troubled by a flat tyre which allowed English to catch up then make a break and settle into his rhythm out the front of the pack. The technical track was taking its toll on riders physically and mentally with many of the solo field retiring early, but 20 hours in and still going strong, English had built a decent lead. He consciously  slowed his lap rate to enjoy the run into the finish. In the end McDonald stopped riding at around 23 hours leaving Jason to take the crown.

Toyota were again major sponsors of the Scott 24, and once more had a strong presence at the event. 2011 also saw RAV4 working closely with Mountain Biking Australia magazine, supporting riders and various MTB events as they did in 2010.

This year the Golden Ticket competition, featured in the magazine and at races, will see five lucky riders win $3000 to spend at their favourite local bike shop. The Scott Golden Ticket winner was announced on the day; a very pleased Stuart Kay of the Red Herrings team is planning the purchase of a new bike thanks to RAV4 and Mountain Biking Australia.