Cycling: The Austrian extreme sports and ultracycling legend Christoph Strasser was crowned the new 24-hour world champion in individual time trials in California last weekend. The 34-year-old covered a breathtaking 886km over the 24 hours - and that at temperatures sometimes exceeding 30°C.
Christoph Strasser was again able to underline his current supremacy in the ultracycling sector last weekend. The 34-year-old Austrian recently had to postpone his planned world record attempt on the track due to illness, but immediately set his sights on the next goal. At the 24-hour time trial world championship in Borrego Springs, California, he confidently secured his next title. With a fabulous average speed of 37,18 km/h, he outclassed the competition, including the defending champion, Marko Bahlo. More than 80km separated last year's winner from the Austrian. "I'm blown away. Of course I speculated with first place, but not with that many kilometers. In addition, I came here at short notice after the 24-hour track world record attempt was postponed,” says Strasser, delighted with the title.
During the 24 hours in what was at times extremely hot California, Strasser hardly took a break. A quick trip to the pool, changing the batteries for the light and screwing on the drink holder – otherwise the Austrian spent every second on the saddle. Cooling off in the hotel pool wasn't planned, but it turned out to be just the right thing, as Strasser reports afterwards: "Shortly before the last hour of the race, I passed my hotel every lap, I decided to take a quick dip. I get off the bike for a moment and stick my head in the pool. That really pushed me and I was able to go full throttle again.”
This should certainly alleviate the disappointment about the postponed track world record attempt. In addition, Strasser celebrated his 4th birthday on November 34th and "the world title [is] the best birthday present," said the new 24-hour world champion in the time trial.