“My go-to hallucination is that I’m riding in a peloton of imaginary friends”: The sleepless and very long adventures of Angus Young

Off-road ultra-endurance specialist Angus Young has officially transitioned to a full-time professional cycling career, a significant step for an athlete renowned for his formidable multi-day efforts. Known for his candid accounts of extreme sleep deprivation and "imaginary peloton" hallucinations, Young's move solidifies his commitment to a discipline that continues to gain traction, marking him as one of its most prominent figures to embrace a fully dedicated path.

This shift underscores the growing professionalisation of the ultra-endurance cycling scene, moving beyond its amateur roots. Young, a consistent top performer in events like the Highland Trail 550 and the Silk Road Mountain Race, now joins a select cohort of athletes attempting to forge a sustainable career from these gruelling, often self-supported challenges. His decision reflects both personal ambition and the increasing commercial viability of a niche once considered purely for masochists.

Young’s full-time commitment is a testament to the sport's evolution. Now, let’s see if financial sponsors are as keen on imaginary friends as he is.