Runners & Riders...

Written by Ian Leitch

After over 10 years of people racing off-road, non-stop and for a whole day, it's finally here; the first ever 24 Hour UK Championships. Everyone who decides to ride off-road for such duration takes on a massive personal challenge. UK24 is pioneering in that it will be the first solo-only event of its type in the UK.

Alongside a truly championship worthy course every effort has been made to create a supportive environment for those stepping up for the first time. The aim: happiness, contentment and fulfillment, a badge of honour to be worn by all finishers.

There are however a strange few that both choose to and are able to push it that little bit further. After the retirement of the legendary Chris Eatough, 2010 sees no dominant 24 hour racer on the world scene. Furthermore in a number of recent head to heads the Brit's are starting to show that they can compete and beat the World's best.

Some of those racers may chose to take on allcomers at the World Championships in Canberra, but the one they all want and want right now is that first UK title: to wear the red, white and blue, to know that they have fought the hardest and that they are the inaugural Champion.

Here we outline those contenders who might cover close to 300 miles non-stop to take the first UK 24 Hour Solo title.

• Rob Dean (Leisure Lakes)
• Mike Hall
• Steve Heading (Whytbe Bikes UK)
• Rory Hitchens (Exposure Lights/USE)
• Josh Ibbett (Syncros Endurance)
• James Leavesley (Genesis Bikes)
• Ian Leitch (Independent Fabrication/Exposure/Cannondale/Clif Bar)
• Matt Page (Wiggle/Focus/Exposure Lights)
• Iain Payne
• Rich Rothwell (Enigma/Exposure)
• Ant White (Exposure/KCNC/Skins/Mt Zoom Zoom)

Plus a few wildcards, read Ian's full event preview to find out more.