Portugal XPD Race
The Great Lake Lands of Alqueva
Rob Howard / 06.10.2004
Portugal’s biggest expedition race is about to begin in the Guadiana River Basin, a countryside of rolling hills, sudden ravines, farmlands and great lakes. The basin is 12000 square kilometres in size, a vast territory with a scattered population, famous for its cork trees, ancient forest and vineyards. It’s principal feature, and a central part of the race, is the huge lake of Alqueva. Like an inland sea it’s size may surprise the teams, who will have to paddle 120km in the race and negotiate a maze of islands and rocks.22 teams are ready to take part and they include competitors from Austria, Germany, Sweden, Finland, the UK and Ireland, Spain and Denmark. Twelve are mixed teams in the main Expedition Racing League category (though it seems now that this grand expedition project has foundered). There are a further 6 all male teams, and 4 teams who will compete on just one of the 3 stages of the 532km course.
Among the visiting teams eVENT ENDURE from the UK and Ireland are leading the ERL series, but this is a scratch team, completely different to the squad from previous races. They will still be expected to do well, Norman Dunroy is one of the UK’s best racers, ‘Mighty’ Mo Monaghan of Ireland has a wealth of experience and they are joined by John Cunningham and late replacement Paul Noble.
TietoEnator Adventure of Sweden are a regular team who have placed well in the High Coast and C2 City races, and the Finns of Team Gatorade are something of an unknown quantity. All 3 could challenge the best Portuguese teams, who will have an advantage racing on home soil, with familiar maps, and on a course where navigation will be critical and there will be 12 hours of darkness. Megamedia may be the team in form, as they have lots of big race experience, including the Elf Authenique Adventure.
The full course is over 3 stages, planned to be increasingly difficult, but with assistance points between each. There will be plenty of choice, with some mandatory CP\'s, but others which are optional allowing all teams a chance to complete the route. See All Event Posts
