Chris Eatough, six time 24 Hour Solo World Champion from 2000 - 2005. Five time 24 Hour Solo United States National Champion. Enough said?. We thought we'd see what drove Chris to be at the top of the game for so long, and his thoughts on the 2010 World Solo Championships to be held at Mt Stromlo in October, the first time the race will be held outside of North America. CRAIG BAYLIS - ENDURO PULSE.

Enduro Pulse: Six World Solo 24 Hour Titles. Was it personal satisfaction to keep coming back year after year or just a competitive streak?

Eatough: There was always a new challenge, and new challengers.There were some great locations: California high desert, Canadian Rockies, Olympic mountain bike course in Georgia. I was also interested in improving on my own performances.

Searching for the "perfect race", which for 24 Hour Solo is very difficult. I think I got closest to this in 2004 at Whistler. I was riding fast and smooth the whole time, had no setbacks, and it didn't hurt as much as the others. I also kept doing it for my friends, family, and support crew. They would get excited about the next year's world championship the day after we completed the current one!

Enduro Pulse: The World Solo 24 Championships will be held in Australia in October this year, the first time the race will be held outside North America. With Australians winning the last 3 out of 4 events do you see the travel distance as having an impact on the international riders?

Eatough: Yes, the travel will be tough for American and European competitors, and easier for the Australian riders. The Aussie's have dominated the last few years in North America despite the travel being tough on them, so we should expect an even stronger showing from them in 2010.

Most competitors are doing this on a shoe string budget, which makes it even tougher to take equipment and crew overseas for the race.

Enduro Pulse: It's been said that you used to train every day of the year. How did you resist the urge to just hit the snooze button instead of the trail?

Eatough: Easy - I love to ride. If I was tired, I would ride easier, but I always got pumped to be outside on my bike (still do!)

Enduro Pulse: So you officially retired from professional cycling in September 2009 however have remained in the sport product testing and coaching. Is there any desire to go around one more time at the World's in 2010 and snatch the title back from the Aussie's on home soil?

Eatough: Of course, I have a competitive streak, and that does not die overnight. However, I'm very happy with what I'm doing now, and am satisfied with how my racing career went. I raced for 12 years. That's a long time, and it has to end sometime. I wanted to go out when I was still enjoying it all and still winning races, so it was the right time.

Enduro Pulse: Tell us about the transition from professional cyclist to product testing and coaching.

Eatough: Things have changed a lot. As a professional cyclist, I was able to focus a lot on myself. Training, resting, and avoiding doing much else. I have two young children now, so being a good father and husband is my first priority. All my energy and focus goes to them.

I actually have three cycling related aspects to my new career; coaching, product testing, and bike advocacy. Chris Eatough Coaching was a natural progression, and a way for people to benefit from my experience and knowledge in endurance mountain biking. I have training plans available for 24 Hour Solo racing that give racers all the information they need to perform at their best (see www.chriseatough.com).

Product testing is a way for me to stay connected to Trek, who I rode for throughout my whole racing career. I like the technical aspect of mountain bikes, and have developed some great relationships with engineers and designers at Trek. I also do a lot of work in advocacy; promoting bikes as a valid form of transportation, especially in urban areas, and encouraging more people to ride (see www.BikeArlington.com).

I have a lot going on, and I'm pretty tired at the end of each day, but I'm used to that!

Enduro Pulse: Trek stablemate Lance Armstrong has dabbled into 100 mile mountain bike racing and notably won the Leadville 100 mile in 2009. Any plans to tackle this race yourself in 2010 and set the roadies straight?

Eatough: If I race in 2010, it will be just for fun, and I probably won't be at top fitness. I love the 100 mile format and have done many of them, but I prefer the true mountain bike courses that include singletrack, so no Leadville for me, but maybe Shenandoah 100 in Virginia.

Enduro Pulse: Your first 24 hour race was the Solo World Champs in 2000 where you won. I'm racing my first solo 24 hour on the 6th February 2010 and have never ridden for longer than 12 hours. Can you offer any last minute advice to amatuers like myself making the step up to 24 hour racing?

Eatough: If you can ride for 12 hours, you can make it through 24. Once you get past about 12 or 14 hours, it's all about mental toughness and being stubborn, and you are invested so deep by that point, you will not want to stop.

Stick to the basics, and don't overthink it. Here are the basics:
Ride at a sensible pace and stop only briefly.
Eat and drink often.
Avoid getting hot or cold.
Don't even think about quitting - it is not an option (unless your health is in danger).

Enduro Pulse: Who's your tip to win the World 24 Solo Championship this year?

Eatough: An Aussie. I'm intrigued to see if Craig Gordon races, and if so, how he goes. His performance in 2006 was so impressive, especially the first 20 hours. If he gets back to that level again, he will be tough to beat.

Having several contenders makes the race very interesting. There is a strong possibility that a couple of guys go out fast and blow each other up. Then the steady guy that was holding back and riding sensibly finds himself in a great
position.

For the women, Rebecca Rush. She is so tough, she can survive anytime, anywhere.

You can find out more about Chris Eatough's training at www.chriseatough.com. Photo credits to Sterling Lorence and Trek Bicycles.