Forrest mountain bike star Jess Douglas has done it again.
The 36-year-old conquered the rest of the nation and one of the country’s toughest endurance events by winning back-to-back Australian 24-hour mountain bike championships.
Douglas overcame a pre-race illness and setbacks along the way to edge out her nearest opponent by one lap at the national titles in Canberra at the weekend.
Forrest Mountain Bike Club’s pride and joy completed 19 laps of the 18-kilometre circuit up Mount Stromlo, covering 340 kilometres and riding non-stop for 24 hours. 
Douglas said the victory was even more satisfying than her win last year, considering she went into the race with an interrupted preparation.
A virus kept Douglas off the bike in the lead-up to the event and she also suffered a flat tyre and a broken helmet light during the race.   
“Looking back, I’m starting to think it was meant to be,” Douglas said.

For the full story, see the current edition of The Colac Herald.

BACK-TO-BACK: Forrest mountain bike star Jess Douglas riding in the Australian 24-hour Mountain Bike Championships in Canberra at the weekend.