Borrego Sun - Since 1949

6-12-24 Hour World Time Trials

 

Last updated 11/27/2024 at 3:23pm

Cyclists from all over the world traveled to Borrego Springs to compete in the annual 6-12-24 Hour World Time Trial Championships earlier this month.

In the six-hour category, which began on the last day of the time trial weekend, Ryan Collins (USA) cranked out 152.4 miles in six hours (25.9 miles per hour average) to win the six-hour men's age 30 – 39 category, and took the overall solo win, as well.

Collins also won the 12-Hour race of the 6-12-24 Hour WTTC in each of the past three years, but this year, he opted for a shorter day in the saddle.

Louie Amelburu came in second overall clocking in 138 miles at 23.8 mph average, and first in the 60 – 69 category. Clifford Federspiel (USA) was a close second, early in the race, but fell to third place with the same amount of miles but a 23.3 mph average.

Leah Thorvilson (USA), last year's overall women's winner in the six-hour portion of the 6-12-24 WTTC, repeated her winning ways, coming in first in the women's solo, 11th overall. She's now a seasoned veteran of WTTC after winning in 2023 as a complete rookie to ultra cycling. The Arkansas native didn't reach her 2023 mileage of 132 miles (22.8 mph average), but her 2024 tally of 123.6 miles was enough to take the day overall and as the women's 40 – 49 age category winner with her tally of 132 (21.2 mph average). Her 2023 mileage came painfully close to the women's six-hour record held by Felicity Joyce who posted 136.8 miles in 2019.

And surely Thorvilson had hopes of eking out at least 4.8 miles more than last year. But it was not to be – partially because of the high winds that day. Thorvilson is a long-time elite-level road cyclist. "I was a runner before going cycling," she told us last year. "I raced World Tour for two years and I've raced domestic elite on the 3T QNM team for the last five years." With the competitive spirit it takes to race at that level our guess is that we'll see her again next year for another go at the women's six-hour record.

Weather predictions during the six-hour portion of WTTC called for wind of a mere 12 mph, but it definitely got windier than that in the afternoon. With the blowing sand, and the riders had trouble holding their line – particularly those with disc wheels, had to opt in putting the riders onto the four-mile loop earlier than scheduled. But thankfully, did not have to cut the day short as done the day before.

But the day's hero was Emily Ross (USA), a tiny teenager who is estimated to be under 90 or so pounds. She had hardly enough mass to keep her on the road once the wind kicked up. Late in the day, race admins saw her riding through a huge swirl of dust. She stopped at the side of the road before a left turn in the course. She looked pensively straight ahead at the road that would take her back to the start/finish, and also into the course's left turn that continued on the course. Just as they were wondering if she was going to head in, another rider passed her and she got going and went left to continue her lap. She later told racers, "The dust! Oh my, I have dust in my hair, my ears, and places where dust shouldn't be! When that other rider passed me he yelled, 'Oh shit!' and when I saw him turn left on the course, I figured, 'If he can do it, I can do it.'"

Young Emily completed 73.2 miles to win the Under 20 age group.

The ultra-cycling community, along with her students, colleagues, and friends, are also mourning the loss of Donna M. Orange, a renowned psychoanalyst, philosopher, and passionate ultra-cyclist, who passed away recently in a tragic accident.

Donna was on a training ride near her Claremont, California home when an errant motorist turned left and collided with her. This heartbreaking tragedy has left a deep void in the lives of all who knew her. She was not only a trailblazer in the world of ultra-cycling but also a highly respected intellectual figure with profound contributions to both psychology and philosophy.

Donna had just competed a few weeks ago in the 6-12-24 Hour WTTC, when she teamed up with Sarah Powers on a two-person age 80 – 89 team under the team name "Pilgrim Place." The two rode 108 miles.

Donna Orange's life was marked by an unrelenting commitment to intellectually and physically pushing boundaries. Known for her determination and dedication, she thrived in two worlds: academia and ultra-cycling.

As a psychoanalyst and philosopher, Donna's intellectual pursuits were as significant as her athletic achievements. Holding both a Ph.D. and a Psy.D., she was a deeply thoughtful and empathetic clinician who influenced countless individuals through her work, teaching, and writing. Whether riding at the front of the pack or supporting others as they trained, Donna embodied the spirit of the sport: perseverance, discipline, and community.

Our hearts are with her family and friends during this time.

We know many of these racers will be back once again for the annual Race Across the West/Race Across America in the summer of 2025, ready to take on the road. We also hope they return to break records while competing in the next time trials, but also hope the weather is in their favor that time around.

For additional race information, visit 24HrWorlds.com.