RACV Energy Breakthrough :: Jeff rides into the history books: 24 hours | 1109kms

Jeff Nielsen sets new 24 Hour World Records (2010)

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Last month we featured a story on Trisled rider Jeff Nielsen’s attempt to break the World 24 Hour Solo Distance Record in a human powered vehicle.

Now, we're very proud to report that he has been succesful - very succesful:
two new World Records, two Australian Records and over $3,000 raised for the Heart Foundation!

	While we were all eating hot cross buns on Good Friday, Jeff was taking to the Edithvale velodrome in Melbourne, to attempt his world record in a modified trisled hpv: 'A Lil' Overzealous'. Not only did he not stop at all for 12 hours, but he also collected the world distance record for a trike over 6 and 12 hours along the way. He also took just 21 hours and 21 minutes to complete 1000kms, beating the previous record by over an hour. Jeff eventually surpassed the previous 24 hour world record of 1041kms held by Canadian Greg Kilodziejzyk 23 and a half hours into the journey, going on to complete 1109kms in 24 hours.
Mick McTigue interviewed Jeff 2 days after his record on behalf of the Energy Breakthrough, to ask him a few questions about the ride and the lead up. Mick McTigue (MM): Riding for 24 hours obviously presents many challenges, what was the hardest period for you? Jeff Nielson (JN): From the 15 and a half hour mark onwards was the toughest

MM: Was the physical or mental aspect more difficult? JN: No question it was definitely all mental, I had a slight problem with one of my ankles which held me back a little bit. At any point that I thought the pain was too much, I used this thought to keep me going: “Its not that hard, just remember what dad went through, when he was in hospital with cancer, mum had passed away and I was at home on my own. Now that must have been hard, I’m only riding around a velodrome”.		"No question - it was definitely all mental"
MM: How does it feel to hold a world record? JN: It still hasn’t sunk in yet, in fact if I sit still it’s almost like it never happened. (image right: Jeff immediately post-session) MM: What did you do to prepare yourself for the ride, and how did you know when you were ready to attempt it? JN: My final week leading up to the event I rode every day, with 20kms being the least distance I rode. I ate a lot of carbohydrates and put on about 3kg, to the point where Ben said ok, let’s do it this Friday. At this time my body and mind were overflowing with nerves, mainly because I didn’t want to let everyone down. MM: You must have people that you want to thank? JN: A big thank you to Ben Goodall for building me this trike, and a big thank you to my wife Sharna for supporting me and putting up with me. Also to everyone who came along to watch, you definitely made a difference to my result.
Above Left: Jeff rides through the timing gate at 23 hours, 58 minutes and 40 seconds. Above right: Jeff (left) and Ben savour the moment post-record breaking session.
Videos: The Smooth Supply of food and water during the attempt. From the rear: ... and from the Front:

Want to know more?

Donate to the Heart Foundation via Everyday Hero at:
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/jeffrey_nielsen
Check out Trisled's Record breaking pedigree
Visit Jeff's website: PedalForHeart.com
Learn more about the current records
Send him a message of support via his Facebook Group: Jeff's attempting a World Record in aid of the Heart Foundation

Words by Mick McTigue, 2010
Images from Jeff Nielson & Mark Gilligan