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Ultra Cycling Records Secrest's next event: "Late Spring 2007, Moscow's indoor 333.33 m track for the ultimate 24-hour ride. 550 miles! Any takers?" by John Hughes, photos by Chuck Bramwell 2006 Ultracycling Records — racers set 42 records!
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during his track record. |
"During the early years of RAAM, Mike Secrest got the nickname of 'Bull Dog.' At about the 18th hour, Mike sort of 'hit the wall.' His speed went down and I could see he was hurting. I thought this was the beginning of the end. The Bull Dog kicked in. He toughed it out until he regained some strength and cranked up his pace." John Marino, chief official for Secrest's record attempt.
Michael Secrest, 53, from Scottsdale, AZ rode 534.75 miles at an average speed of 22.28 mph. Secrest started at 9:10 a.m. on October 22, 2006 at the Home Depot ADT Event Center in Carson, CA.
Secrest approached the record attempt as he did all his races: consistent and prepared. "Mike and his crew decided to ride at a consistent pace the entire 24 hours. This meant holding back during the early miles. It was a good strategy." said Marino. "Mike thought through all the typical obstacles involved in 24 hour record attempts, e.g., eating, drinking, and yes, elimination.
"Mike was 'locked-in' the entire ride and mentally focused on the challenge. This was no surprise to me."
Secrest: "It's more mental than physical. Even Michael Shermer said that he's never seen an athlete who is more focused than I. When one has a purpose in life, focus is never a question."
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does a smooth water bottle handoff. |
Marino: "It amazes me how some cyclists can remain on the bike for so long without ever stopping. Mike is one of those people. He planned on not stopping for anything, however his handlebars came loose and he stopped for about 90 seconds as he straddled the bike while his mechanic tightened a bolt. Parts of his body must have "screamed out" in pain, however he just found a way to keep going."
Secrest used a 55 x 16 gear on the 250-meter track. Afterwards he said: "A 250 m track beats the hell out of you. If anyone wants to have a shot at my 24-hour marks, it would be wise to go to a bigger track."
On a 250 m track one travels four laps per kilo compared to three laps per kilo on a 333 m track per kilo and the rider spends 25 percent more time in the banking on a 250 m track. The steeper banking causes more G-force to the body at points of contact with the bike - more pressure on the perineum and soles of the feet.
Secrest also holds the 24-hour outdoor track record of 532.74 miles (22.20 mph) set October 23, 1996 at the Dominguez Hills Olympic Velodrome, Carson, CA.
When asked how he maintained the same level of performance at age 53 he replied simply "I know what it takes to accomplish my goals. Age is not a factor in my make-up."
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congratulates Michael Secrest. |
John Marino founded the Race Across AMerica and the UltraMarathon Cycling Association. Marino has observed Secrest since the 1983 RAAM. After this 24-hour record Marino said: "The indoor 24-hour track record just might be the ultimate benchmark of a cyclist's true ability in ultra marathon cycling because it requires excellence in two disciplines of cycling. The first is high-end speed and the second is endurance over the long haul. The 'sub-sets' of speed and endurance are pain thresholds, crew efficiency, equipment, strategy, diet, et el.
"Additionally, the external conditions for a 24-hour indoor record are as close to 'constant' as possible. Point to point records and all outdoor events can be greatly influenced by wind, rain, temps, routes, traffic, people, and law enforcement. The indoor track strips away these external influences and the focus is on the raw ability of the cyclist. Of course some tracks are different than others, as well as temperatures in the arena, however the external conditions are still more constant than outdoor events.
"Mike has truly established himself as the king of 24-hour events, and arguably could be the greatest ultra marathon cyclist of our times. I say this because his exploits have now extended over 23 years. He's always done well in RAAM, including a RAAM win. Mike holds the ultimate best time in crossing America, 24-hour paced record averaging 60 mph, and the 24-hour track. He's earned the "Wow" distinction. Now, who has the chops to beat him?"
When asked what's next Secrest replied: "Late Spring 2007, Moscow's indoor 333.33 m track for the ultimate 24-hour ride. 550 miles! Any takers?"
Samuel Nagel's 24-Hour
Two weeks earlier on October 6-7, 2006 Samuel Nagel rode 872.895 kilometers (542.39 miles) in 24 hours on the track at Aigle, Switzerland. Nagel, 35, from Chur, Switzerland made the attempt on a 200 meter track!
Following the UMCA Record Attempt rules Nagel submitted his Record Attempt Report within 14 days of completing his exceptional record attempt.
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Fred Boethling, the UMCA Records Chair, received Nagel's report right before Secrest's attempt. Nagel's report contained, as expected, extensive documentation. Boethling called John Marino and told him that the UMCA had received a 24-hour indoor track record of 542.39 miles pending certification.
After Secrest's attempt Boethling carefully reviewed all of the material data in Nagel's submission and discussed Nagel's record attempt with John Hughes, Managing Director of the UMCA.
After that review Boethling and Hughes determined that, unfortunately, there were two material rules violations in Nagel's excellent ride. Nagel did not wear a helmet as required pursuant to Rule XX.a. (General Rules). Nagel used a rolling start, whereas Rule VII.b. (Time/Distance rules) calls for a standing start. The General Rules identify 12 rules violations that result in immediate disqualification (Rule III.e.). Riding without a helmet is not one of these 12 infractions.
Pursuant to Rule III.d. (General Rules) Boethling assessed two penalties. The first penalty was a 15-minute assessment and the second was a 30-minute assessment for a total of 45 minutes. Nagel's average speed for the 24-hours was 22.5996 mph. In 45 minutes he covered 16.95 miles. Deducting that from his total distance, results in an adjusted distance of 525.44 miles, which was not a world record.
Boethling then reviewed Secrest's submission very carefully and certified Secrest's record as the world indoor 24-Hour track record of 534.75 miles.
Both riders were notified of the decisions in mid-November.
Before the penalties were applied Nagel rode 7.64 miles farther than Secrest. If Nagel takes Secrest's challenge to race on the 333 meter track in Moscow it would be a most exciting matchup!