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Great quote. I think what amazes me about the best in these races is that they have all the physical, mental, routing, fuelling, sleep-depravation and technical challenges to deal with, which are enough/more than enough for even the most serious rider, as well as the race element and pushing themselves to actually finish ahead of some other serious riders. I have the utmost respect for anyone riding the TCR and anyone finishing, but those actually racing it, that's another level.
Tonts
Our lost champion of ultra distance racing, Mike Hall answered this question following his US Tour Divide win in The Brooks Bugle, July 2016 ....
"Racing the divide has been a transformative experience for me in so many ways and in some way has touched almost everything I have done since. The trail might take the body to the physical place; covering vast distances through wild open and desolate landscapes alive with wildlife and changing before your eyes. The race however, the thrill of the chase, the potent cocktail of adrenaline, endorphins, fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress and finally relief, takes the mind to quite another. The personal satisfaction, confidence and empowerment from the achievement lasts a lifetime. For me this combination is untouchable.
This is why, for now at least, you can keep your nice, your leisurely and your convenience and if it comes to it, you can also keep your professional sports. This is not a tour and no, I do not want to slow down because I really don’t think I could possibly enjoy any more than I do."