WEMBO World Solo 24 Hour Championships

The last time I did Worlds was in 2015 in Weaverville, California. I was keen to give it another go to see how I would stack up two years later. The training had gone well and I was feeling really strong.

The race was in Finale Ligure, Italy apparently a real hot spot for mountain biking. A great location for a race and good spot to do some travelling and enjoy local wine and cuisine post race. We headed there a week early to check out the course and get on Italy time. Coach, buddy Ryan and wife Madison were pitting for Steve, Andrew & myself. We were in good hands.

The course was shorter than most 24 hours at 10km and 350 meters gain. It would be tight for the first few hours with 400 riders and minimal passing opportunities on the front end of course. The back end had a real power section with some challenging rocky climbs before fun descent into the berms (aka party zone) leading to start/finish area.

Race course recon what a view!

Andrew & I

It was great weather for race day. The Elites started first with a fairly long Le Mans start. I just settled in and tried to be patient for first few laps with all the congestion and set a steady pace. Pacing was on track for first four hours but I was already behind in my nutrition only getting 1/4- 1/2 bottle of Infinit per hour.  From then on I paid the price for my mistake racing dehydrated and on a caloric deficit. I managed to come around a bit and the pit crew told me I had to drink more and go faster. I really tried to up my pace but did not have much gas in the tank. The night was kind of a blur trying to keep it together and figure out how I would fix myself. It wasn't until the last three laps that I was able to push the pace a bit more. I did my best under the circumstances but it was not my best performance. Still managed to get 28 laps in finishing 6th in Elite/Overall for women. A hard lesson but one that will not be forgotten.

Shaun telling us what's up for the run entrance/exit

The berms

The rest of the trip was fun enjoying lots of gelato, pizza, pasta, olives & local wines. Good times and lots of laughs with great friends.

Finalborgo

Best dinner at http://www.valleponci.it/en/restaurant/

Barolo

Nice

Thanks to Infinit Canada, Specialized, and Crankbrothers for your support. A huge shout out to Coach, Ryan and Madison for their pit support. The result would not have been the same without you. Congrats to Steve for 9th & Andrew 3rd in categories & fellow Canadian Cory Wallace for taking the win! I am really looking forward to the rest of the season.

24 Hours in the Old Pueblo

It was a hard winter of training with temps ranging as low as -30C and as high as 6C, with lots of snow. I was really looking forward to getting into some warm temps and on the dirt.

Fellow racer and buddy Andrew Bovard (aka the animal) and I were making the trip to Arizona to race solo at 24 Hours in OP. We arrived a couple of days early and got some good riding in on the course.

Unfortunately the weather turned for race day with high winds, hail and rain.....classic! We were unsupported so things were going to get interesting. Luckily we had a local racer, who we met a few years back secure us a pit and lend us a canopy. This was a huge help, thanks Al and Coach for putting us in touch!

The pit

The weather started to come in pretty much at the start line followed by hail 3 laps in.  Not much you can do about the weather you just have to push on, ride smart and manage the layers. I was feeling pretty good and setting a consistent pace.

The first time came in to change out layers they had already got wet in my bag. I pulled everything out and laid it out in the vehicle. After sorting out that mess back on the bike and into the night.  I was still feeling pretty good but riding into the high winds had taken a bit of a toll.

More layers and changed out lights during the wee hours of the morning. Good timing as my Diablo basically went dead as soon as I was doing the swap. The S-Works Fate was still running well and my nutrition was on track with Infinit.

The sun started to come up, which is one of my favourite times of the race. I noticed some other girls around me, one who I raced with on and off at the beginning of race. I had no idea my position but could feel the pressure and need to keep moving and get out of the pit quickly. I struggled to get lights and clothes off with cold and wet hands. Left most of my layers on and didn't even bother to lube the chain.

Back and forth for the next few laps and had a sense things were close. Rode as strong as I could completing 14 laps, 224 miles all up grabbing 4th place spot on the podium. Race was close with only 6 minutes between 1st & 2nd and 5th was only 7 mins off me! Overall a good race with some tough conditions and fast women. Andrew also placed 4th in a strong field!

Of course the weather was great the day after and the rest of the trip ;-). Enjoyed some awesome coffee at Savaya, Mexican and beverages before heading home.

Thanks to Infinit Nutrition Canada, Specialized Canada and Crankbrothers for your support. Also to Coach Shaun for your invaluable feedback, encouragement and big TSS weeks (I think ;-). I am really looking forward to the rest of the race season.