Dean Cameron

How did you feel the morning of the race?
I was feeling quite apprehensive, I wasn’t sure how I was going to go…

Worst moment of the race?
Pushing up sections of Frontal Lobotomy, flat pedal shoes don’t have much grip for walking up slippery slopes.

Best moment of the race?
Coming out of frontal lobotomy and the marshall pointing us into underbilly, as I was expecting to have to go up to the start of Billy T. Also the wet slippery conditions in underbilly were a huge amount of fun, just the right level of slip / grip to put a big grin on my face

Did the bike go well and what was your standout component?
Bike went really well, Peak tyres were awesome, had plenty of rolling speed, but didn’t leave me short of grip when I wanted it. The other product I was really impressed with was the CeramicSpeed UFO drip lube, no issues at all over the 50 km, went home, cleaned up really nicely very easily.

Anything you would do differently?
I would start in the next fastest wave, as I think the slow start wave did cost me some time in the early sections, and it was a really large group to start in, but otherwise I was really happy with my day.

Was it "Fun" and do you think you'll do it again?
Yes, it was great fun. I’m thinking about doing the 100km next year...

Bevan Whittleston

How did you feel the morning of the race?
Some nerves, knew it was a big day but felt OK.

Worst moment of the race?
Cramp issues from about 25km onwards, particularly No Brains climb and Pondy Elevator. Several sit downs to settle the legs along the way.

Best moment of the race?
The fun descents throughout the course, chatting with other competitors on the climbs.

Did the bike go well and what was your standout component?
Bike was excellent; Wolf Tooth’s Resolve seatpost and Remote Pro lever were quick, reliable, and easy to activate in a pinch.

Anything you would do differently?
More training….. and more salts before and during!

Was it "Fun" and do you think you'll do it again?
Fun’s probably not the right word, more of an “experience”. Glad to have done it but definitely doing the 50km next year instead.

Kris Withington

How did you feel the morning of the race?

Happy that the rain had stopped and my tire selection and pressures were spot-on.

Worst moment of the race?
I had a little moment at the top of No Brains before dropping in. Just a little moment.

Best moment of the race?
When we turned into Billy T instead of going further up to Tuhuto Ariki.

Did the bike go well and what was your standout component?
The bike was perfect for an event like that. Standout component was probably the CeramicSpeed UFO Drip chain lube. And the GY Peak tyre in 2.4” width was a saviour. The Apidura Racing series top tube bag was handy for storing gels in as well. 

Anything you would do differently?
Probably a little more of a structured training plan maybe? And a cassette with a 60t big sprocket.

Was it "Fun" and do you think you'll do it again?
Not really. I’ll probably have a year off next year. Maybe the 25k option.

Jordan Castle

Mate we missed you at the start, what happened?

I would have loved to participate, but my ambition outpaced my healing capabilities!

How did you feel sitting on the sideline?
I felt a little bummed out to begin with, but the event vibes and spectator stoke were running too high to stay that way for long.

Is there redemption coming in 2025?
Redemption is a strong word... I just want to justify all the new parts I bought for my singlespeed!

Brook Daly

How did you feel the morning of the race?
I was bloody pumped, I had so much excitment I ended up dancing around the lounge to Eye Of The Tiger at 6.30am. The last few months of training boiled down to this day and I was keen to put myself to the test.

Worst moment of the race?
Heading up to No Brains and realising I could no longer stomach my faithful carb drink. My belly had turned and I was in real trouble to keep my energy up. In that moment I wasn’t sure I’d be finishing.

Best moment of the race?
Descending down Whaki at warp speed, feeling on top of the world (I forgot I had 70km to go at that point).

Did the bike go well and what was your standout component?
Bike was flawless – I think the Peak SL tyres were the standout performer – the rolling speed was insane and I still had enough grip to hold a good pace on descents. Also, I was grateful not to have to use the Stan's Dart Tool, but it gave me peace of mind knowing I could plug a puncture if I needed it. 

Anything you would do differently?
I would have backed off the carbohydrate in my bottles from 100g to 80g/hr and also reduce the salt I had in it. I think that’s what caused my gut to turn near the 4hr mark.

Was it "Fun" and do you think you'll do it again?
70% of it was super fun, 30% of it was closer to hell. For sure I’ll be back again – as horrible as it can be, I love the challenge and the vibes of everyone on course - it makes it an amazing event to be a part of.