A Colac rider’s endurance has paid off resulting in top results in a world-class mountain bike event.
Forrest Mountain Bike and Cycling club rider Gary Legg finished third in the Kona 24-Hour at Forrest.
Legg completed six laps in 18 hours while fellow club rider Phil Bickerdike finished seventh in the solo men’s category after completing 22 laps in just under 24 hours and Claire Stephens came in fifth in the open women section.
Top place-getters qualified for the world 24-hour championships in Canberra next year.
Forrest Mountain Bike Club secretary Roland Eck said the event was a “great success” despite storms Thursday and Friday night.
“It was the first time we’ve had a Kona in wet weather though everyone still enjoyed themselves,” he said.
Australia’s own male world 24-hour solo champion Jason English finished first in the men’s solo open category with 27 laps, while Naomi Williams took out the women’s solo category on 23 laps.
Eck said more than 1000 people, including riders and spectators, attended.
“It was also the first time the event has sold out with full 864 competitors entering.”
“The event’s growing every year, I think because the world championships are in Australia this year got a lot more people interested.”

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