Kellett’s put pedal to the medal

A TORQUAY couple have landed on the podium again at the WEMBO World Solo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships.

Kate Kellett and her husband Brett both tasted success at Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra, with Kate finishing second in the Female Elite division and Brett claiming back-to-back wins in the Male 55–59-year-old category.

The biking event saw riders from all over the world compete in a grueling 24-hour race which consisted of 11km loops and 250 metres of vertical riding per lap.

Ms Kellett went into the race as the defending world champion, having won her first title from six attempts in Armidale, New South Wales last November.

She said to get a second place and back up last year’s result with another great showing made her very proud.

“I was really stoked with it. Going in as the defending champion came with a bit of pressure, but pressure is also a privilege.

“The course itself was just amazing. I was clocking up 37 kilometres an hour down those hills which was pretty awesome!

“It was a super quick start, and I was sitting fifth for the first part, and then after five hours I got in front and tried to hold on.

“The girl who won (Monique De Abreu) was just incredible. I feel we both just had a fantastic race.”

She paid tribute to her husband Brett for claiming back-to-back wins.

“He went into the race in some amazing form and just thrived!

“I think he finished three laps ahead of his nearest competitor which was an amazing effort.”

Rightfully so, Ms Kellett said the body was still feeling pretty fatigued a week removed from the 24-hour race.

“Collectively we rode over 350 kilometres and a climb of 8,000 metres of vertical, so you’re pretty sore.

“That Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness certainly comes through in the days after.

“Most of the race you’re off the seat upright to get the bike upright and efficient as possible, so it’s a bit of a toll on your whole body.

“It’ll be nice to have a bit of time off the bike to recuperate.”

Surf Coast rider David Spink finished top six in the Elite Men, while Fiona Matthews claimed a win in the Female 50–54-year-old category.