It had been a tough week for mountain biking in Australia with the passing of 24hr champion, journalist and good bloke, James Williamson. Whilst James died in South Africa in the middle of the Cape Epic, in Canberra Australia riders were getting set to ride the Mont 24hr. As Willow was well known and loved in the mtb community, the first hour of the race was the Willow Honour Roll, where everyone went for a cruise in his memory.
When the racing started at 1pm AQR's Claire Aubrey set the pace by doing the first lap for her team of Canberra buddies in the boutique category Women's Fours. They rode fast through the day and night, led from start to finish and came away with the victory by a lap. Well Done!
From left to right, Claire Aubrey, Karen Foat, Kim King and Claire Graydon holding the winner's trophy for the MONT 24hr. There was a huge effort all weekend by all the girls and their incredibly wonderful support crew consisting of AQR's Paul Aubrey (lucky for the girls, he was unable to race due to injury). Quote from Claire Graydon: 'Just name your price Paul - we'll have you help out any time!!!'
Claire off for a hot lap. The team had seamless transitions and made sure to grab every little second possible.
Sunday morning, another beautiful day in Canberra.
Claire won SRAMs Pimp My Mont contest. Her bike was cleaned, and SRAM set a team of 3 on it to make sure it was properly pimped whilst she enjoyed a massage. A new set of Elixir Carbons was included! Thanks SRAM.
Kim King, riding fast. Kim can manage a world championships and win 24hr races as well as enduro multi-sports. I call it versatile.
I'm finished and we won. Claire is interviewed by Stu and Ben following crossing the line on Sunday afternoon.
Next is a sequence of sleeping people, every little bit counts.
Claire Graydon at presentation. Good luck for the Solo 24 this weekend Claire!
Claire's little bro, Luke Graydon on Saturday afternoon
Claire Aubrey on Saturday afternoon
