Raid Ukatak
How Tough Can It Get?
Leslie Quinton / 22.01.2003
Wednesday January 22 - 14:30A tough race, made more challenging by the extraordinary cold and high winds, has become even less a walk in the park than was originally anticipated. Two more checkpoints had to be eliminated today when the officials at Parks Canada, the federal agency that runs the Saguenay Marine Park (land and water) determined that conditions were too demanding to permit access to the frozen river. This will mean the racers miss part of the fjords section but more importantly, won’t participate in the new discipline introduced this year, wind-skiing.
Racers aren’t sorry to be able to make up the lost time due to the enforced delay yesterday, but regret not having the chance to use the sails. “With this wind, we would have had to give them sails like this,� said race organizer Martin Nieto, holding his hands 50 cm apart.
There were a few jangled nerves this morning when Team 1, Hellmann/Salomon Poland called CP 9, their nearest checkpoint, but it wasn’t an emergency call as first reported. They were holed up in a chalet on a nearby mountain and were uncertain where to go next – was it possible the maps were wrong? They were told the maps were correct and if they were given assistance they would automatically be out of the race. They quickly realized that they were not far from the summit of Mont Edouard, CP 9, so after a brief rest, they were on their way.
Currently in the midst of devouring a Quebec specialty, poutine (french fries, cheese curds and gravy), they are preparing to leave CP 10 at any time – however, Team 9, Auberge du Ravage/Commencal Supervelo were eating with them and will not be far behind. Both teams are in excellent shape, are relaxed and not threatened by the extreme weather.See All Event Posts
