So a few months ago, while I am out for a spring ride with my friend Giant, he mentions that the World Solo 24 Hour Championships are being held in North America for the first time (in Weaverville, California) and that we should register and participate. Unfortunately, life circumstances kept me from taking part, however Giant registered and committed to give it a go.
I mentioned to him that if he was really committed he should talk to CoachRob and employ his expertise to get him prepared; which he did. And so began a season of racing and preparation for this race....including racing in the OCup series, soloing in 8 hour races, and soloing in the 24 hour Summer Solstice race (which Giant podiumed!). All while training according to CoachRob's direction.
Giant was very nervous about this race! And for good reason....here is the course...
Take note of the elevation. 600m per lap!! The first 5 kilometres is climbing!! 20degree incline at point!! Imagine that suffering!! That climb actually destroyed many an elite rider! And that continues my point...
There were elite, and pro riders from around the world taking part in this race....and Giant wondered how much he really belonged amongst this crowd. In fact the pressure kind of got to him....to the point where he kind of snapped and posted this very strange selfie on a facebook page he manages...
Of course I couldn't let that go by without posting my own selfie...
I think it's kind of funny that BicycleWorksPaul always describes Giant as 'that fast guy that looks like a magician'....and he kind of does....
It must be the goatie, I think...
Not quite like this one though....
This is Giant's cat...
Anyways...I am getting very off track here...back to the actual race...
So, Giant did get over his mild paranoia and made his way to Weaverville...
And he quickly introduced himself to many of the elite riders I mentioned earlier...here he is with Jake Wade and Robert May...two relative gods in endurance mountain biking...
Other well known names in attendance included Tinker Juarez, and Jason English... I looked for Chris Etough in the registrations list but he was not there....for whatever reason.
In case you are wondering how tough this course was, here is a video of the first lap, courtesy of Jason English...who ended up being the elite, and overall winner of this event!!
This is actually one of the best race videos I have seen...the rider stats are on the screen, so note:
- his power output and heart rate, especially as the course hits 20degree climbs...
- how he is still able to chat freely even while climbing...
- the first 30minutes is endless climbing!! Imagine the suffering through 10+ laps!!!
- his downhill speed hit 50kph, even through twisty singletrack!!
So, the race started at noon Cali time....and the organizers posted the results live....so during the afternoon I checked the results...
Holy Shite!!! Giant was in second place with 8 laps!!! He was killin it!! Could he keep up this pace?? (In case you didn't already know, or figure it out yet....Giant's nickname is Ondrej Benjik. Yes, I know....that is a weird nickname...but he picked it...)
I kept checking....he kept pace!!!
He actually took time mid race to post to facebook how much he was suffering, and how much he hated the climb!
As an FYI....the climb destroyed many racers...including Jake Wade who called it quits after 8 laps....and even Tinker DNF'd and actually officially retired from 24 hour solos!!
But Giant...is one determined (some may say stubborn!!) and in the end he did it!! He held it!!
Second place!! Silver medal!! Amongst world class athletes!!
Podium!!
World champion hardware!!
I already had the utmost respect for this gent....the intensity of his work and desire to excel...how much he has progressed in this sport....and this affirmed it. Giant, you sir are a motivation!!
Damn rights you do! The dedication to training, nutrition, the tough races through the season...CoachRob kickin your ass...all of it. In the end, your worry was for naught...you deserved to be there, and not only belonged among those names, but stood above many of them when all was said and done! Mission accomplished. First place next year??
FYI....next year....I plan on joining you!!
In the meantime...
Stay posted!
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