A quick report from Ray on Team Milo at TORQ 12:12

Ranks as one of my all time most enjoyable races.

Couldn't sleep last night, kept replaying the course over and over, the speed, the daring, railing the corners, chancing the slimmest of overtaking opportunities, nailing the climbs, pushing the limits, expecting more from every lap, no holding back, running on reserve, gasping for air and finally crossing the line with that feeling of a job well done.

Team Milo, Antony, Tread, Simon and Ray, winners of the 4 man, non pro team category last year were the team to beat, and yes, again we proved ourselves best in class, champions for a second year running.

The course at Minley Manor, Yateley is 8 miles long, mostly single trail with a good flow, a little fire trail, not much climbing and plenty of opportunity to overtake. Considering the amount of rain before the event, the course and conditions were perfect for an epic race.

The 12 hour event started at 12 noon, finished at midnight and our team order was Simon, Antony, Ray and Tread. We all rode competitive and consistent times throughout the event with no major mechanicals or accidents.

The course was very similar to last year bringing back race memories that helped plan out overtaking strategies, recovery periods and drive pure adrenalin fuelled, confidence boosted, fast and furious sections of awesome single trail. The nirvana for me was the first night lap, with the previous 3 laps committed to memory I felt absolutely invincible, railing the corners, dispersing slower riders with ease, riding fast with a good flow and little use of the brakes, simply a dream of a ride. We all enjoyed ourselves and as Tread frequently proclaimed "this is what we do", great team spirit and awesome riding.

Anthony completed our final lap at 10 past midnight, followed by a celebratory beer and an early exit home to bed.

Job well done team.

Looking forward to next year.

Si 41.57
Ant. 41.14
Ray. 41.40
Tread 42.04
Si. 43.23
Ant. 42.46
Ray. 43.13
Tread 42.33
Si. 43.33
Ant 41.38
Ray. 43.01
Tread 42.37
Si. 46.05. Dark laps
Ant 45.40. Dark laps
Ray. 44.24. Dark laps
Tread 44.28. Dark laps
Ant. 44.06. Dark laps

As an aside to this just a quick mention for Steph who won the female pairs with Natasha Barry and Iwona & Ant who won the mixed pairs, many congratulations to all of them.