Aussie upsets six-time champ at 24 Hour MTB Worlds

By Sue George & Steve Medcroft

Australian 24 hour solo and marathon champion Craig Gordon (Bear Naked/Cannondale) won the 2006 24 Hours of Adrenalin World Solo Championships on Sunday, beating six-time consecutive champion Chris Eatough (Trek/VW) in an upset. After a fast start that saw Eatough and Gordon escape from every other rider in the race, Gordon managed to build his lead, in five minute-per-lap increments through the night to end up over a lap ahead of the 24-Hours specialist. The two men had raced years ago at cross country World Cups, but this was the first time they battled in a 24 hour race. The determined Gordon pushed himself so hard that he ended up afterward in the hospital on dialysis for two days.

On the women's side, Sue Haywood (Trek/VW) showed her athletic versatility by adding a world title to her collection of national titles. She rode steadily, consistently increasing her lead each lap over her main challenger, Rebecca Rusch (Specialized), an adventure racer undertaking her third ever 24 hour solo race.

For full race report and results, click here.