DARK TIMES AND AMAZING HIGHS

Former XC racer Max Suttie is now focused on making an impact in the endurance racing world. The 25-year-old, from Newton Abbot, Devon, is already a twotime British 24-hour champion and the 23-29 world champ. He’s looking to test himself against the best by racing in the Elite category at the WEMBO Solo 24 Hour MTB World Championships in Fort William later this year.

Just how do you get in shape for an event like this? “I typically spend 14 to 25 hours a week on the bike, with added strength and conditioning training,” he explains. “I ride six or seven days a week, and sometimes twice a day. At the weekends I do two five- to sevenhour rides with bonus intervals.”

Max doesn’t feel the physical aspect is the hardest part of endurance racing though. “The biggest challenge would probably be the mental side,” he says. “Everyone who competes in a 24-hour race goes through some dark times, but you just need to recognise them and know that they will pass.”

If you’re tempted to give endurance racing a go, but daunted by the concept of riding solo for 24 hours, Max has these words of wisdom: “Just enter one, grab the help of a mate and give it a go! It’s a huge achievement to just get through one despite the aches and pains, and you’ll feel amazing afterwards!”