Sleepless in the Saddle

The pre-race riders meeting at the 2010 event (photo 2010)

Sleepless in the Saddle (SITS) is a series of 24-hour mountain bike races held in the UK, Australia and the USA.

The format of the race allows entries to either be from solo riders, or by teams of varying sizes who ride in relay.

This is an endurance style event based on cross country tracks. The terrain is not so much the challenge as the battle against your mind and the elements. Racing continues throughout the night, with riders mounting lightweight but powerful lights onto their bikes.

The winner of the race is the person, or team, who cover the maximum distance in the 24 hour time period. Tactics are key, especially for solo competitors. Sleep and ride fast or battle through the tiredness and notch up the extra lap?

From 2005 to 2007 the event became part of the Kona Global Series. The races were held in the USA, UK, and Australia. The name was originally coined by Chipps Chippendale

Sleepless in the Saddle races have been held at Catton Park and Trentham Gardens.

History

The first race was held in the UK in 2001 at Trentham Gardens. The UK races moved to Catton Park in 2005.

The race became part of a series in 2005 with additional rounds in the USA and Australia. The Kona Global Series lasted from 2005 to 2007.

The 2006 US Race was held at Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby, Colorado. The 2007 US race was cancelled.

The 2006 Australian Race was held at Redesdale, Victoria.

The race was not held in 2013 and 2014 due to lack of sponsorship. There are hopes to bring it back at some point in the future.

Race Sponsors

The Australian race sponsor from 2006 to 2009 was Kona.

The 2010 Australian Race is sponsored by Jeep

From 2005, the UK race was sponsored by Kona, previously it was sponsored by Shimano.

The race sponsor for 2008, 2009 and 2010 was Endura, a cycle clothing manufacturer based in Livingston, Scotland

For 2011 Singletrack magazine are the headline sponsor.

See also

Results

For UK results

2009 & 2010 results are available by following the Sleepless in the Saddle link above.

For Australian results

References

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