Badlands

Don't really know and here's probably not the place to discuss it. Just feels a bit...

I am pretty sure amateurs beat the old pros in the majority of these ultra races. Lachlan is a special case. Open to all is what makes these races great imo

This is true, as I say I don't really know what I feel about it. Maybe I like a bit more competition and the lead changing hands a bit. Suppose badlands is a fair bit shorter than ultra-distance road races, when he's finishing one segment 6 and a half hours faster than his nearest rival it seems like a bit of a cakewalk.

It's not a cakewalk. He took himself to a place mentally most can only dream of. Yes his physical ability makes him a bit faster for sure. But he still had to do the work.

Fair play to him.

It's not a cakewalk.

That's why I said 'seems'. I'm sure it's harder than I could imagine. He's one of the ex-pros who seems to be able to do the mental side of ultra distance really, really well.

Isn’t he a current pro..?

He’s not quite ex pro. He still rides for EF/Cannondale/Rapha.
If he was arrogant or smug about it then I’d think it was a problem but he’s the nicest humblest guy. The EF gone racing videos are well worth a watch if you haven’t already.
And as was said, the pros don’t always win. Lachlan and Alex Howe (US Nat Champ) have ridden at least Kanza and Leadville 100 and not won

My mistake. Did he take a break from racing or something? I’m sure a couple of years back he wasn’t riding for a team.

He's been racing https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/lachlan-morton/2020

His brother was a pro and retired (quite early I think).

Angus! Yep, I've conflated the two, thanks for the info. Anyways, I don't want to detract from what is a superb effort. Seriously impressive, chapeau to him and allez @hippy.

I've had misgivings about pros getting in to ultras as well. Pro cycling has a lot of baggage.

But, having said that, at an individual level, if someone turns up, respects the event and the other riders and gives it their best shot, I couldn't have any reason to complain. Even if they were called Lance Armstrong. I actually have more of a problem with people taking places and treating it like a tour or riding on Bromptons.

The shorter ones are more likely to work for them, as they probably can't afford to get utterly wiped out by a 2-week race, for the same reasons that they gave up on PBP.

Has Hippy used lockdown for a Rocky montage?
The lad's on for a top ten?

Looks like Cristian Meier is also paying the price for Further...

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Hippy has got a 2000m climb of steep chunky gravel ahead. Might not see the spectacular views if he rides through the night but would be rather epic anyway I guess, maybe the most challenging part of the route.

Some amazing Badand pics here
https://cyclingtips.com/2020/09/lachlan-mortons-latest-719-km-in-43-5-hours-through-the-badlands-of-spain/

They seem to have forgotten that the race is still going on and others are still racing... a shame.

I'd go here, you'll bet a fuller picture of the race.
https://instagram.com/transiberica?igshid=1qcy7h3lgqme9

I agree and I think that’s why people are unsure of pros doing it - I am sure Lachlan is super humble and nice, but you get the media and the EF/Rapha media wagon on it and it gets distorted

All us mortals think Hippy is doing heroically - these efforts are totally ignored (or worse, diminished) by the sole focus of the Pro Tour winner.

Someone made a good point, having a photographer on course at all time must change the mental dynamic? Not at all saying he is getting support; but at 3am if you see a photographer you know and can say a word or two to him then thats different than the mortals you ride 9 hrs in the dark with not a soul around

Does anyone get why Lachlas bike is missing brakelever hoods?

Well if someone that wsnt me wanted to make tbe point in their comments elequolently then I wouldn't be sad.

I wont get into it openly.

@skinny was right, those tracker numbers, and the 19 minutes, are incorrect. These are his Strava numbers:
Elapsed Time 44:28:53
Moving Time 41:24:10
Move Ratio 0.93
https://www.strava.com/activities/4032004385

Which still absolutely amazing.

I think that move ratio is the inspiring thing; because regardless of speed or power of w/kg, the ratio is the ratio. 93% ride time is unbelievable- you need to properly dig, regardless of talent

Big up to @hippy who has finished 7th in this.

Low grade Twitter grumbling on this event but still added colour to dot watching.

Yeah, but is he coming back from Spain now? I think we should be told.