Dave Ludenia finished fifth amongst a strong field — including the current world champion — in his first solo foray into such a gruelling event.

Previous experience in mere 12-hour slogs had taught him how to structure his race.

“You’ve got to go out at your own pace and let everyone go past you and then as the night wears on you have to take hold and gradually take back positions as people get tired with fatigue,” he said. “These races are all about riding within your own limits.”

The 20-year-old experienced all the highs and lows that come with such a demanding race, at one point giving in to the pain and taking a 10-minute rest. It didn’t turn out to be the best choice with temperatures dropping to freezing during the night.

“As soon as you stop riding you get cold very quickly . . . and then it was really hard getting the motivation to get back on the bike, but I eventually did and it paid off.”

The result was even more impressive considering the flare-up of an ongoing knee cartilage problem during the race. It has become so serious that Ludenia will go into hospital this week for surgery — keeping the fitness fanatic off his bike for three weeks.

The operation comes at the end of a busy few months of racing that included a solid all-round showing at the Australian University Games and a unique opportunity to compete at the Tour de Timor.

Mechanical problems in the first stage cruelled his overall chances but the race’s atmosphere made up for any disappointment.

“Over there we were treated like royalty really. All the roads were closed for the race and the villagers were always happy to see us riding through their town,” said Ludenia.

Despite the injury frustration at a time he was hitting strong form, Ludenia said he is determined to get his rehabilitation right and “bounce back” quickly.