EcoMotion Pro
Start Location Changed in the Last Minute
Togumi / 22.10.2007
It was about 23h00 when the teams left Forte de Sao Joao Beach behind and started the firstl paddle of Ecomotion Pro 2007, crossing the Guanabara Bay. The sky was clear and two balloons helped to illuminate the athletes and the kayaks sit-on-top.
The race started two hours later than programmed and happened in a different location. At the original place the residents of the Urca neighborhood didnt the like idea of the the race starting on their beach.
Support crews were redirected to park in the Fort of São João. In this army base at the foot of internationally known Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) is located the Superior School of War.
While it was determined if the place of departure would be changed or not, the athletes had already finished their last preparations and were waiting for news. Some of then used their time to take a little sleep and save their energy for the right time. Most of then were chatting to pass the time quicker.
After a long wait two lines of kayaks were set up in the sand and the support started to clean up the boats for departure. Then came the athletes and one of the support crew, carrying a lit torch.
After the arrival of the two film helicopters the signal for departure was given and within minutes all the boats disappeared in the darkness of the Bay of Guanabara. The forecast was for 8 hours of paddling to the first transition, where the athletes took the bikes left by their support.See All Event Posts
