Despite some nerves early in the week, the weather played nice on Saturday for the 18th running of the Convict 100. The quiet hamlet of St Albans was alive with mountain bikers once again. This year featured brand new 100km, 67km and 48km courses – with riders in the longer distances raving about the quality of the Old Great North Road single track, and 48km riders enjoying the spectacular views.
With the rain somehow missing St Albans until late on Saturday afternoon the course was fast and riders set some cracking times. First across the line in the 100km was Mick Sherwood. A dominating win and breaking the 4hr mark, Mick was focused and determined from the moment he arrived in St Albans, and his result speaks for itself. Tara Nolan was by far the fastest female rider in 4:41, and was ecstatic with her result. Mick and Tara had great feedback about the course and were excited to add their names to the honour role. We hope to see them return to defend their titles in 2025.
The new 67km course proved a big hit with the riders. For the first time in a few years this course included the gruelling rocky section of the Old Great North Road (built by convicts in the late 1800’s which gives the event it’s name). Lynee Moore was in supreme form among the female riders, hitting the front early and never relinquishing the lead, while Scott Reynolds showed the rest of the field a clean pair of heels to post the quickest time for the male riders.
In the 48km distance any riders happy to escape Jacks Track probably didn’t feel so enthused by the time they had climbed Browns trail – with times indicating that this was indeed a tougher course. Shaun Van Roon flew home in 2hrs and change, securing top spot for the males, and Jessica Monaghan took out the win for the females in 2:39.
We all know the Convict isn’t just about riders at the pointy end. Each and every rider deserves praise and some serious respect for finishing the event. Riders streamed across the finish line all day: legs tired, lungs bursting but stoked to have finished, young riders with a parent, older veterans completing the event for the 10th (or more) time, those special breed of riders on a Single Speed, Cyclocross or Gravel bikes. And the fastest growing category – the E-Bikers. We love each and every one of you, as it is the riders that make the event what it is!
If you missed out on any event merchandise we do have a limited number of items still available so get in touch via email and we might be able to help you out.
All the results are now available to see how you finished. The team from Outer Image have hundreds of great images up for purchase, check them out as well.
The Convict 100 will be returning to St Albans on the first Saturday in May (3/5/25) so now is the time to book it into your calendar and start planning your training!
