World champion cyclist trains for Surf Coast Century

WITH only 65 days until the ninth annual Surf Coast Century, ambitious runners are setting their sights on the iconic 100km track and training extensively in preparation.

This year’s rookie ambassador Jess Douglas, a three-time world mountain bike champion and threetime Australian mountain bike champion, participated in the trail marathon on Saturday June 29.

Runners took off from Torquay’s Salty Dog Café in wet conditions before embarking on the 42km journey.

“(It was) 42km of non-stop rain, wet feet and cool conditions. I was stoked to finish with a huge smile and happy legs,” Jess, 45, said in her rookie update.

“I planned to run this with a friend, and we stuck together for four hours and 47 minutes. We took it easy – Tiffo was struggling in the slippery mud with her shoes and a cautious approach ended up paying dividends.”

Jess said settling into a 5:30km pace was comfortable and chatty, allowing her to prevail despite the unfavourable climate.

“Our pacing ended up being a perfect tester for the Surf Coast Century, which would allow me to achieve a sub 12-hour race time,” she said.

“My goal was never to get under this pace. The hardest job was wondering if to put a rain jacket on or not. Being wet was a great thermal regulator.”

Though the trail marathon is 58km less than the SCC ultra-marathon, Jess said the longevity of the big race is more exciting than it is frightening.

She also said once she achieved the 42km distance, she pondered whether or not she would be able to replicate or better her timing once more. She answered, yes.

“If someone told me that I had to go back and repeat the 42km I would have no drama. The next day my legs were great, so I rode my bike 60km for recovery,” she said.

“A marathon is not long enough, especially pacing it like I did. I reckon I got the effort level spot on; walking some ups, taking it easy, stopping for food and refilling water.

“I am not scared of the 100km as to me it’s just a series of processes. I just need to stay focused.” For the month of July, Jess will compete in a 18km race at Smiths Gully as well as a 50km distance for the Young Yangs Trail Running Festival.

She will also compete in three road cycling competitions over the coming weekends.