2026 Convict 100

With an offer to the the 20th year of Convict 100 we look back at our past events and wrap-up this years event.

Here is a look at our the event in 2009, https://mcrummy.blogspot.com/2009/05/st-albans-100km.html

Despite earlier rain in coastal regions, the St Albans enjoyed dry, sunny conditions and a fast-rolling course. Riding our Canaan with a long-travel fork, we navigated the 100km circuit with a mix of technical strategy and endurance, stopping briefly to assist a rider with a mechanical failure and another with a broken collarbone. We successfully navigated the canoe bridge and pushed through heavy fatigue on the final climbs to leverage their bike's downhill prowess. We finished with a 13th-place finish in the Open Men's category, clocking a personal best time of 5:12—a three-minute improvement over our 2007 performance.

Here is what we saw in 2010, https://mcrummy.blogspot.com/2010/05/classic.html

The St Albans MTB Classic kicked off on a foggy morning with competitors facing a course moistened by recent light rain, leaving some sections tacky and the descents loose or rocky. In the competitive 100km event, Pete Hatton secured the title by edging out Gordo with a time of 3:57:46, followed closely by Mr Flemming at 4:00:30, while Zoe King took the female title. Beyond the elite field, the event was marked by notable personal achievements, including long-time volunteer Mick Smith completing his first 100km event in 5:40, and as the 50km sweep-rider we spent time with Anthony Collins, who successfully finishing the 50km course in 5:09 after overcoming his previous year's DNF attempt.

2011 was interesting, https://mcrummy.blogspot.com/2011/05/st-albans-classic.html

Despite a disastrous training lead-up to the event caused by adverse weather, we set three core goals for the 100km St Albans Classic: finish by riding all the major climbs, ride safely despite the challenging conditions, and achieve a personal best time. The initial escarpment climb proved highly demanding, forcing many riders to push their bikes, but we successfully navigated the climb and the technical sections that followed, maintaining a safe and smooth pace. Late in the race, while on track for a sub-five-hour finish, the author suffered a major sidewall puncture that required a complex repair. Although this late mechanical issue cost us a personal best time, the stunning scenery, great atmosphere, and the post-race celebration ultimately made the testing event a memorable weekend.

The following year, 2012, https://mcrummy.blogspot.com/2012/05/convict-100.html

Under dry, fast-moving conditions, the sold-out St Albans event launched both the 100km and 50km riders into a challenging, highly competitive day of racing. We competed in the 50km event, maintaining a blistering early pace, riding the steep initial climb successfully, and working alongside fellow riders on the rock-strewn fire trails. Making the most of our Yeti ASR-C on the final descent and joining a group of eight on the flat dirt roads, we emptied the tank in a final sprint to the finish. A successful morning as we felt completely exhausted but achieved our primary goal—setting a new 50km personal best by around eight minutes.

2026 - 20th Classic Year

A warm, clear morning greeted the 100km field as we gathered for the start, as noted by our commentator, sharp contrast to the chilly mist of previous years. With the weather playing ball and the trails completely dry, the course was fast-rolling and primed. The classic route playbook was thrown out the window for this year’s event as the loop was generally in reverse, meaning the descent we used to tackle on the 50km course was now our initial, lung-busting climb—and we had to face the old escarpment (former initial climb) descent twice.

Team mate Graham Smith went so close to a sub 5hr.

The start was blistering and knowing we would be tackling that massive climb right out of the gate tested the legs immediately. Digging deep to keep the pedals turning, the bike climbed efficiently up the steep incline before rewarding us with the undulation and arm-whipping of trails across the top.

Dropping down required precision, picking the best lines through the loose, rocky sections and soaking up the waterbars while maintaining control. Once at the bottom, we had a gap to both riders in front and behind, about halfway along the road we were reeled in and began the grind up the climb in a bit of a group. The Pivot 429 handled the mixed climbing and descending beautifully, keeping the momentum going as the kilometers

Team mate Thomas Newman had a solid sub 5hr effort.

ticked over and the legs kept turning. It was tough going through the sandstone shelves, picking lines, looking ahead, keeping both wheels on the ground. It was a relief to get back onto graded trails and closer to the descent.

Team mate Rodney Rae had an early puncture and clawed back a sub 4:45hr time.

Hitting the escarpment descent for the second time late in the race tested both nerve and tired legs, but it was an absolute rush opening the taps before the final road stretch. We linked up with a small group of riders for the run into the finish, we dug deep for an all-out effort along the dirt roads. Crossing the line completely exhausted with nothing left in the tank, the relief was immediate. 19th in Category in 5:08hrs.

Results can be found here.

Thanks to our team sponsors;

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