Whangarei's Kevin Gover is the over-40 national 24-hour mountain bike solo champion, after completing the gruelling race in the Whakarewarewa Forest near Rotorua over the weekend. He was a clear winner in his class and was the third overall finisher. There were more than 500 entrants in the 24-hour race -however, most of the competitors were wise enough to do the event as part of a relay team. To prepare for the race, Gover did things like complete the four-day Northland Twin Coast cycle tour - in one night - and put in a couple of rides to Hamilton. "I'd cheat though and stop in for a coffee in Devonport, because they've got great coffee there," he said. Despite the careful preparation - or perhaps because of it - he said he was more nervous than usual before the race. "I was really scared before the race. I thought I was going to blow it, so I thought I'd take a leaf out of (triathlete) Hamish Carter's book and just concentrate on enjoying myself and I think that helped," he said. Gover completed 18 laps of the 16km course after starting at midday on Saturday, until the siren called the racers in from the forest at midday on Sunday. Riding at night in a forest is dangerous enough but when your energy levels are low, concentration wanders, and Gover said there were a few accidents resulting in concussions and broken bones. Gover came off himself and injured his arm, but not enough to end his race. He said the encouragement he received from his wife Julia - who was sleep-deprived herself after acting as Gover's support team and then had to drive back to Whangarei after the race - was invaluable. It was his third 24-hour endurance test and he has also completed five 12-hour races.
