Alex McCormack is an ultra rider and racer from the UK with an affinity for remote, off-road routes. While continuing his career as a mechanical engineer, Alex has embraced the 2024 season with gusto. Earlier in the year, he secured a notable victory at one of Europe's biggest off-road races - The Highland Trail 550 - setting a new Fastest Known Time; followed by a tremendous win at The Bright Midnight.
We caught up with Alex to unravel his race strategy, and gain insight into the planning and reflections of his journey through the never-ending daylight. Not only is The Bright Midnight a 1,100km self-supported ultra race through the Norwegian backcountry with 24 hours of daylight, it's a test of mind over matter, and an opportunity to relish in the scenery that doesn't sleep.
RACE PREPARATION
The lead up to an ultra-race, especially on a new course and in a different country, is always a tough juggle of time and commitment. With a 1,100km route to familiarise myself with and plotting destinations, such as: resupply places, sleep spots, bike shops, topographical details, as well as figuring out my kit choice, packing lists and travel logistics - it's always a lot to comprehend. But as a bit of a numbers guy, I love to deep dive into my kit selections and apply a 'marginal gains' approach - taking the bare minimum whilst being able to (hopefully) tackle anything the route can throw at me.
Below is my tried and tested checklist:
Spares:
- Sealant
- Patch kit
- Tubes
- Chain lube
- Multi-tool
- Tubeless valve
- Pump
- Brake pads
- Mech hanger
- Tyre lever
- Needle and thread
- Bolts
- Pliers tool (Gerber Vice)
- Quick links
Kit/Camp:
- Albion leg warmers
- OMM insulated trousers
- Moonlight bivvy
- ZOA insulated jacket
- Inflatable mat
- Gloves
- ZOA rain jacket
- QUOC Gran Tourer XC Dusty Pink
- Suncream
- Power banks
- Charging cables
- Lights
- Phone
- Watch
- Garmin
- Headphones
- Gels
DAY ONE
Taking the train from Oslo, 4 hours north to the race start in Tolga, I was captivated by Norway's landscape. Vast expanses of lakes, forest, and remote gravel tracks ticked every box, and I couldn't wait to get in the saddle.
The night before had a chill atmosphere; the crew had prepared an evening meal which was a good opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and dial in last-minute kit checks and nutrition packing. I opted to bivvy before the start - enjoying my own space and avoiding disturbances in an effort to maximise rest and recovery.
A good night's sleep was followed by a relaxed morning, with plenty of prep time and a carb-heavy breakfast - but the start was a fast one. With a few riders pushing the pace hard up the fast-flowing gravel climbs, I was keen to stay in touch. I followed the wheels until inevitably a bit more of a selection occurred on the first technical sector. Riding with a power metre, I like to keep an eye on the output during the early stages. As the group's numbers were at about 450 watts on the climbs, I knew it would soon fade.
Eventually the rush mellowed, and I was able to ride at my own pace and focus on implementing my strategy. Nutrition and resupply is undoubtedly a vital aspect of Ultra-racing, and I personally like to try and ride in blocks of about 250km or 12 hours between resupplies; planning these accordingly to hit shops during opening hours. Depending on the race length, I also aim to consume 60-120g of carbs per hour - with this race requiring a minimum of 80g and upping it when my stomach allowed.
I couldn't have been more stoked about the route - even if it did rain most of the time. I enjoyed the scenery through the first day, with an abundance of champagne gravel, lakeside paths and pristine roads. Riding towards midnight my attention turned to sleeping plans. The pros and cons of recovery vs paused time is a hard one to weigh up. I opted to ride through the first night as I found my brain function was still firing and I was comfortable pushing on.
DAY TWO
Day 2 was fairly routine, besides having a longer 350km stint between resupplies, I relied on my Fuel+ gel supply and carried on riding at pace. Almost slipping into taking the route for granted, I had to remember to be present, as the scenery was nothing short of spectacular throughout.
The climb up to Checkpoint 4 was 11km at 14% - used as a summer ski station. As the crux approached and knowing these climbs suited my strengths, this was my opportunity to put more daylight between 2nd place and myself. In order to sustain the gap, and with the weather in my favour - hydration was high on the priority list. I opted to trust the mountain streams, filling my bidons straight from the source without filtration.
Coming late into the second night, I found a 3-sided shelter at around 800km with an elevated wooden platform. Due to the cold temperatures I opted for the extra faff of deploying the bivouac and down sleep kit - even taking time to remove my shoes. Nestled in warmth, I set my phone alarm for just 12 minutes and got some shut-eye. It's amazing how being in a hyper-focused race mindset can allow a small amount of rest to perk the brain back up.
After packing up and being back on the road, it's easy to slip into thinking the end is near when coming into the last 10%. However, with over 100km and 4 hours of riding ahead, staying focused until the very end is an aspect of racing I need to work on. I came home in just over 56 hours with a stopping time of 2 hours - taking the win by 3h 14 minutes.
RACE REFLECTIONS
Reflecting on the race there was undoubtedly room for improvement. But most importantly I enjoyed the entirety of the ride and can't recommend the race enough. Justinas and his family made everyone feel welcome, providing excellent hospitality and celebration at the end with a finishing meal and beer.
Congrats to all the finishers!
Photography: Nils Laegner & Alex's iphone images