Southern Traverse

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Sportzhub still leads

Claire Hathaway / 17.11.2002

Just after 4.30 the top three reached check point five of stage two on Mt Robertson from all different directions. Seagate.com and Kathmandu/Merrell arrived together shortly after.They were all in relatively high spirits, although the high scrubby gorse and bush they navigated through had apparently caused some discomfort.

Seagate.com\'s Kathy Lynch said it quite well: “Agghhh! Prickle bushes, ouch!�
Kathmandu/Merrell’s Kate Callaghan uttered comments of the same sentiment. “I should’ve known there’d be gorse bushes in the south, Geoff Hunt’s not happy til he’s drawn blood�.

The top three teams gained their lead during the first stage, a kayaking leg, this morning. Using a shortcut they portaged their way across a farmers paddock to an alternate channel, cutting about half and hour off their time.

Race director Geoff Hunt says the teams that are leading are the one’s who were predicted to be in front. Included in this front pack is Christchurch team Sierra International lead by Mark Minehan who appear to be racing at the top pace. The United Kingdom team Land Rover are also featuring strongly in the leading pack.

Stage three is a cycling leg which takes the teams over a variety of terrain.They will begin the 118km stage cycling along the Wakamarina river bed and then up into the hills of the Richmond Ranges. In the very early morning the leading teams should be cycling though the beautiful Nydia Valley, although they will not be seeing much of it’s splendor. Seagate.com lead by Nathan Faa’vae are strong cyclists, which could influence the overnight positions.

Overnight weather predictions indicate there could be periods of rain and cold southwesterly winds. Showers are supposed to ease to coastal areas tomorrow, although this will be cold comfort to the teams who will be kayaking around the Pelorus Sound.

For more information please contact:
Margo Berryman / Claire Hathaway
Ph: + 64 3 579 4207 mobile: 021 235 9993 email: margo@queenstown.co.nz
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