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Lachlan Morton’s Record-Breaking Journey from Auckland to Wellington
Renowned for his exceptional endurance, Australian cyclist Lachlan Morton has tackled some of the most challenging cycling routes around the globe. His impressive resume includes participation in prestigious races like the Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia, as well as a remarkable 14,200km journey circling Australia last year.
However, nothing prepared him for a monumental feat achieved last month: a staggering 648km ride from Auckland to Wellington, completed in under a day. Starting at 4:09 AM and lasting 18.5 hours, Morton not only made history but also celebrated the legacy of a cycling pioneer.
The inspiration for this considerable endeavor sprang from a casual conversation with his friend, New Zealand cyclist Hayden McCormick, in August of the previous year. They discussed McCormick’s former coach, Brian Fleck, who set the Auckland to Wellington record in 1983, completing the ride in an impressive 20 hours. Intrigued by the significance of this achievement and its obscurity, Morton decided to pursue the record himself, not only as a personal challenge but in homage to Fleck’s enduring influence.
Fleck’s accomplishment is impressive in its own right. At the age of 43, while holding a full-time job as a post office worker, he prepared for the record-breaking attempt through rigorous training sessions around his work schedule. Morton’s admiration is evident as he reflects on Fleck’s feat, acknowledging the limitations of the equipment available at the time and the immense dedication required to achieve such a record. “This was a ride that should have been known internationally,” he notes, highlighting the need to bring such stories into the public eye.
As the New Zealand summer dawned, Morton set off from Auckland with a clear goal: reach Wellington by nightfall. His team, aligned with Morton’s ethos, aimed to minimize reliance on modern technology to stay true to the spirit of Fleck’s original attempt. This meant reduced emphasis on fine-tuned nutrition strategies or advanced cycling gear, focusing instead on the purity of the ride itself.
Beginning his journey in the early hours, Morton found himself in a grueling battle against both time and his physical limits. He described the concentration required as “18-and-a-half hours of full focus.” Despite facing significant challenges, including only one brief stop, he maintained an impressive pace until he encountered headwinds in the final stretch.
“That was really challenging,” Morton explained. “The combination of fatigue and resistance from the wind brought its own set of difficulties.” Unlike previous rides that extended over multiple days, this effort demanded an all-or-nothing approach, requiring Morton to push his limits without conserving energy for consecutive days.
Ultimately, Morton crossed the finish line at 10:36 PM, completing the journey in 18 hours and 28 minutes—an hour and a half quicker than Fleck’s time. He viewed this achievement not merely as a personal goal but as an attempt to connect with cycling history: “This isn’t just chasing a new record; it’s chasing a legend.”
Morton’s remarkable accomplishment is even more impressive considering he had just recently completed his extensive ride around Australia. With limited recovery time, he quickly readied for his next challenge, showcasing his exceptional endurance and determination. “It wasn’t a huge amount of downtime, to be honest,” he admitted regarding his preparation.
Looking ahead, Morton is embarking on a new adventure this weekend—a bikepacking race in Colombia. This race, which commences in Bogotá and winds through the country’s picturesque coffee-growing regions, marks the beginning of a season filled with international competitions.
“It’s a big season,” the 33-year-old cyclist remarked, acknowledging the whirlwind of events that lie ahead. “The idea is to explore new races, new frontiers in cycling, and experience the diverse cultures that come along with these journeys.”
As Morton reflects on his recent achievement, his focus shifts to the exciting year ahead. With his monumental ride from Auckland to Wellington behind him, he is now ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that await in the world of cycling.
Source
www.theguardian.com