English
Sometimes no matter how well you prepare and how much thought and planning goes into a certain event it will creep up on you far too quickly. That is exactly how I feel right now, as one of my biggest events of the year is just a few days away.
I will be there on the start line, midday on Saturday to defend my title in the 24hrs UK Championship and this year the event is also the European Championship event so there is even more at stake. I’m happy with my preparation, I’ve done pretty much everything I wanted to and if you go by the numbers coming from the Cyclops Powertap that I train with then I am in better shape than this time last year. One of the best things about training with power is the ability to put a definite number on your fitness and form. If only 24hr racing was that simple! Anything can happen in such a long race and fitness itself will not determine the outcome.
My training for the season started properly on January 1st and since then every training session I have done, apart from a couple of short intense XC specific drills has been for this weekend. All the long rides and the hard interval sessions in all weathers. My motivation is clear, I want to retain the champions jersey!
I may be in better shape than ever, but I know that all my main competitors have been putting in some serious training and will be gunning for the title. The people I have to watch out for are the usual suspects, Anthony White (2nd in 2010), Josh Ibbett (3 in 2010) and someone that some people may not know, Craig Bowles who won Twentyfour12 impressively last year. There are many other names that could well surprise and then there are the Europeans and no one really knows what to expect from them.
I expect the course will be similar to last year (12 miles and ~300m climbing) and that should suit me fairly well. It will also suit my new bikes for this year which are simply amazing! They are not only lighter than last year, weighing in at 20.5 pound (9.3kg) each but they are stiffer and more efficient.
The packing is almost done and the amount of equipment I need for such a race is incredible, with a big stash of energy products from Torq, High5 & Clif to give me choices through the duration.
Also enough spare parts and Schwalbe tyres to cover most eventualities. I need to be ready for all weather conditions, both with my kit and mentally within my own head. I know I can race well in the rain and mud, so that doesn’t bother me too much. I have the best 24hr pit crew in the World, no doubt about it!
My fiancée Nia is in charge, she controls everything from my nutrition to timing and she will also be using my twitter account (@mattpage24), keeping everyone not at the event updated about my progress.
Ben, my mechanic has been working with me since I first started riding for Wiggle in 2008. In the years since we have become great friends and he knows me and how I like my bikes inside out, it helps that like me he is a perfectionist. Then the final member of the pit crew, my mum. She has been there at all the big events (except Australia), through all the highs and lows. She does anything and everything needed, a vital 3rd pair of hands to keep things running smoothly.
So with everything ready, now all is left is to make the long journey north to Newcastleton and give it everything!
Keep an eye on my twitter account for regular updates during the event: @mattpage24
