Our own Jessica Douglas retains her 24 hour National title over the weekend in Majura Pines, Canberra. 

Prior to race start, as a mark of respect to one of Australia's most successful mountain bike riders James Williamson, who tragically passed away in South Africa, a minute's silence was observed before the riders, who wore black armbands, completed a slow roll out lap in honour of their friend.

173 competitors assembled on the start line at Majura Pines. They faced a nine-kilometer course, which is renown for being hilly and technical.

Jess opened strongly completing 38 laps to defend her title, defeting Caire Graydon who rode 37 laps.

"I'm very pleased to have it all over and done with," said Douglas, who finshed fourth at last year's World Championships. "I only been back in training for four weeks. I was just relying on previous 24-hour form and a hell of a lot of base."

"I had a minute gap and it just grew from there.

"My body didn't want to play from midnight until 6:00 am. It was 90 percent mental. I definitely overrode my survival instincts on my body."