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Salomon Suisse stalled after orienteering, Nike ACG/Balance Bar racing unranked
Susan McKenzie / 16.05.2005
The Swiss team looked strong as it left TA4, heading out into the orienteering section between CPs 26 and 31. But when they returned a few hours later, still in first place, everything had changed. Luc Beguin had started throwing up, and medical assistance was called in.“In terms of his body, everything is okay,� explains race director Mikael Nordstrom. “The doctors checked him out, and his blood pressure is good, his heart-rate is good. They have suggested that the team stay here, rest a few hours, make sure he is eating and not throwing up. Then they can do a medium speed bike ride before the mandatory five hour rest. They are very strong skiers, so they will do well on that section. If they are smart, they will stay here, get him healthy, so they can finish the race, and maybe still even win.�
Cross Sportswear is only the second team to complete the orienteering section so far. The Swedish team capitalized on the Swiss slowdown to speed up and get out of the transition area ahead of the Swiss.
“We have only slept one hour so far this race,� says Mats Andersson. “
“The big danger is always thinking you have won the race before you have,� says Natasha Westling. “There is still a lot left, and anything can happen. But we can leave here ahead of them and maybe make up some time.�
Cross Sportswear is pushing hard in the hopes of victory on home turf. An AR World Series qualifier win would solidify the team’s reputation, but that doesn’t mean they want to Swiss to drop out.
“Of course we would like to win, but I would rather beat them than win because they dropped out,� says Natasha Westling. “I feel really bad that they are not feeling well.�
Cross Sportswear was cycling out of the TA as Nike ACG/Balance Bar’s Michael Tobin surprised everyone by showing up on foot, alone.
“It was a really hard decision to make,� he explains. “I really had to think about it, but finally I decided I couldn’t continue. We got a little ways down the road, just before the bush, so they went on and I came back, my slow little pace.�
Tobin took the time to send a few emails home before heading to a warm cabin, and a warm bed. He’ll be here waiting when the rest of his team finishes the orienteering section. The three remaining members of Nike ACG/Balance Bar continued on into the orienteering section, and will continue the race unranked.
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