The 309 brave enthusiasts of mixed abilities and fitness levels who took part in this grueling endurance event completed 2,250 laps of the challenging 9.2mile course, covering a staggering 20,700 miles in the 24-hour time frame.
The classic Le Mans style start was, as ever, a true spectacle with 170 riders sprinting to their bikes and jostling for position at the front of the pack. This competitive spirit was fierce throughout the event. Alex Slaven was the top male in the solo category with an incredible twenty four laps completed in 24:07:58, two laps more than his nearest rival. Nina Rob took first place in the female solo category with an impressive ten laps. However it was Alex Glasgow and Alex Johnson, from Nevis Cycles (Fort William), who blew the field away with an amazing thirty laps in 23:55:11 in the male pairs, six more laps than the number two pairing of Mark Smith and Niall Frost. Roger’n’ the eucc took the Trios title with the local Glencroft Rabble winning the Quads for the third year in a row.
Dave Adams, who has a prosthetic arm and leg, completed six laps and won the spot prize of a Nightrider light system in recognition of his fantastic efforts. Frazer Coupland, race organiser from No Fuss Events said: ‘Dave is a regular at No Fuss Events. He always has a smile on his face and some great craic! To have completed six laps, which is twice as many as I managed, was immense and we are all really pleased that his efforts have been acknowledged by our event sponsor Nightrider.’
The cracking 2009 course on the breathtaking trails of Forestry Commission Scotland’s Leanachan Forest, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, was quite different from previous years and competitors praised the route for its variety, technical challenge and above all it’s rideability throughout the event. There were some short sharp climbs combined with a couple of long lung busting gradual ascents. These were mixed with some technical descents on a balance of natural and custom-built trails. However with the rain falling throughout the night the exposed roots proved testing for one and all.
Mahmut Gurtuna and Team Istanbul, a quad team who had travelled to Fort William from Turkey especially for the event, were treated to a special highland ‘all seasons in one day’. However they were overwhelmed by the friendly nature of the event and enjoyed the terrain that was markedly different from home. They have vowed to return with a gang of thirty riders in 2010. They are now working out how they will get more experience in the wet muddy conditions that they battled with overnight in Fort William.
As always a huge army of volunteers must be congratulated for their incredible efforts in manning the outposts over the 24-hour period with discos, highland dancing and story telling from the old days, being part of the entertainment.
For full Relentless 24 results and information on No Fuss Events and to checkout the event video from MTBCut Productions go to – http://www.nofussevents.co.uk/
Relentless 24 is just one of a selection of grueling open endurance sports events organised by Fort William based adrenaline junkies No Fuss Events. As with all No Fuss events, the emphasis is firmly on participation, enjoyment and fun for all involved, whether competitors, family members, spectators or support crew. The event organisers go to great lengths to provide good quality facilities, camping, food and entertainment from start to finish; they promise an experience for all to remember.
No Fuss Events calendar for 2010 will be launched on the 19th of October so keep an eye on the website www.nofussevents.co.uk
image by Kenny Ferguson
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