Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge

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Cutting Back the Course

09.11.2006

As the penultimate day of the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge gets underway, race organisers are making last minute changes to the course, to provide competitors with some much needed down time. Cutting today’s planned route back by over 40km, Race Director, Tim Saul said the event has taken its toll on some competitors.

Saul said; “Conditions have been pretty tough throughout the race, making stages that we knew were going to be hard, much more challenging. While the event is supposed to be a Challenge, we also want competitors to enjoy the experience, so we’re reducing some of the distances on today’s stages�.

Competitors did take some time out from the trials of adventure racing yesterday afternoon, when they enjoyed a leisurely ride on Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway. Lapping up the chance to view the scenery from the comfort of a railway carriage, competitors kicked back and enjoyed the ride.

Day Five will see competitors kayaking, mountain biking and trekking around Tasmania’s stunning Peppermint Bay, including a night navigational kayak that will go on until 11pm this evening.

As part of the celebrity All Stars team, Olympic triathlete, Craig Walton, has had a few runs ins with navigational stages already, after his team missed a checkpoint on Day One due to a map reading error. Walton said; “The night kayak is going to be a real highlight of the race. We’ve had a few navigational blunders in the race so far, but we think we’re on top of it now so we’re looking forward to it�.

Walton also commented on how competitors are coping with the Challenge; “This really is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. We’re all looking forward to a decent shower and comfortable bed at the end of the race, but generally everyone is still in high spirits. Personally, I was struggling on Tuesday, which was only Day Three, but I think my body has adjusted to the pressure now, so it’s getting easier.�See All Event Posts