THE Evocities MTB Series has attracted a fair slice of talent to events across regional NSW so far, from champions to international representatives.
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Making his way to Wagga for the first time is Canberra’s Brett Bellchambers, a multiple World Solo 24 Hour Champion.
“I’ve never done the six-hour race in Wagga, I’ve heard good things about it from my Canberra friends,” Bellchambers said.
While most mountain bikes use gears to assist riders conquer hills, Bellchambers foregoes them and uses a single-speed bike.
“You’re in the right gear 10 per cent of the time, the rest of the time you’re spinning too fast, or too slow,” he said.
“I just choose a gear and hope it works on the track.
“But there’s points where it’s perfect and that’s where you’ve got to make the most of it.”
Bellchambers said it could be an advantage, if you don’t put as much pressure on your legs and can take the opportunity to rest during the race – something that is vital during a 24-hour race.
Being able to push harder when needed and then drop back up to two minutes per lap to relax and recharge was an essential skill.
“In endurance races it’s about breaking down the course, where the fun bits are, where the parts you despise are … you’ve got to find your happy place and happy pace.”
With the Wagga 6-Hour enduro forming the final race in the Evocities MTB series, Bellchambers was hopeful it return next year as he had missed most of the races.
“I’ve heard great feedback from the tracks at Dubbo and western Sydney,” he said.