Without question, Simone Maier right now is the Queen of the Coast to Coast. Like so many before her, solving the riddle of how to piece together the perfect performance to win the Longest Day took a bit of trial and error, as well as some heartbreak thrown in along the way too.

After winning her first title in 2019, a DNF in 2020 again threw in a few questions marks, but since 2021, the Wanaka based mutlisport machine has been unbeatable.

With her 45th birthday coming shortly after race day, years of hard racing are starting to catch up with the veteran.

Supporters will need to get roadside to show their appreciation on race day to cheer Maier home in what will be her final Longest Day.

“The body is at a point where it’s fun but it’s not fun ! It’s such a big commitment and it’s getting harder and harder. It’s a bit emotional but I think it’s time.”

Dealing with injuries has been a big focus for Simone Maier this campaign, and she admits even making it to the start line will be a challenge.

“Ive go this ticking time bomb in my body and it might just all blow apart . But I don’t want to die wondering.”

The early stages of Arthritis are now a frustration for Maier with inflamed Bursitis and fractures under her toes making mountain running extremely uncomfortable.

“On my MRI it looks horrible and my Doctor said my pain will be my ultimate guide.”

Maier concedes that she won’t be the only one going into the race with injury issues, and she’s using her battles as another motivator to try and get the job done.

“I really don’t want people to make a big drama out of it. I will be as ready as I can be. Like everybody else I’ve done the training. I want to win it one more time but if not, I’ve given it my best shot”.

Level with the great Kathy Lynch on five titles, the opportunity is there for the German to secure the outright lead for the most titles held by a woman. (Steve Gurney has nine men’s titles).

Maier isn’t obsessed with with grabbing the record, but admits that it is still a bit of a motivating factor.

“To be ahead of Kath Lynch ? Hmm- I dunno. I just like to try and do something no one has done before. If my body can hold up- why not ? “

The enjoyment of racing is a bigger factor for the former Ironman competitor.

“I do really enjoy doing what I’m doing, otherwise I would’ve probably stopped a long time ago. I really have a passion for the sport.

I love being fit and I love pushing boundaries. It’s also nice to lead by example to show other women, or other humans, that no matter what age you are, you can do quite well and achieve great things.”

The 2024 race featured arguably the deepest women’s field for several years, and Maier admits that last year’s victory was probably her most satisfying.

“It wasn’t perfect because my drink system in the boat wasn’t working. But overall, the body and the mind just all clicked together. I did a few mistakes in the run and then finally I decided to just trust myself.

You don’t have to follow people, just follow your heart. When I turned off the voices in my head, it just all came together”.

While it was all coming together for Simone, her Tracker failed during the kayak stage with many left thinking she had withdrawn, but to the relief of her support crew, she emerged unstoppable at the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge.

“I had no idea what was going on with the other competitors around me. I was just locked in my zone.”

What’s become apparent in recent years is that as others start to waver, the five times champion gets stronger. If Simone Maier isn’t in from at Mount White Bridge, it won’t be long until she hit’s the lead, and that lead will only increase on the final bike to New Brighton.

“It’s not even a strategy. It’s all I can do- I’m a diesel engine. Some of the younger competitors are a bit springier with more fast twitch fibre muscles, but not me.

It’s just such a long day and you have to play your cards right. It’s the same for me in Adventure Racing.”

Whatever the outcome in this year’s Longest Day, Maier has established herself as one of the great champions of the race and she deserves a big send off.

Her fierce determination and big enthusiastic laugh will be missed by everyone in the event in the years ahead.

So for the Queen, Simone Maier, she’ll be hoping that it’s again a case of “Send Her Victorious, Happy and Glorious”, for one final time (a record sixth time !). Even with a few broken bits, it’s hard to bet against her !