YAK ATTACK - SHOWDOWN in the ANNAPURNA\'S
The Runners Take an Early Lead
Phil Evans (Extreme World Challenges) / 10.03.2008
Day 1; Besi Sahar to Bahundanda - 20km 798m to 1295m/Total Ascent 1050mAfter a prolonged opening ceremony, conducted by Lamjung District Office and accompanied by a local band, the Berghaus Yak Attack 2008 got under way.
True to his word, Matt Hart, riding for Torq Fitness, went off hard from the start. By the halfway stage he had built up a formidable lead over the next athlete, but unfortunately he missed a turn onto a suspension bridge and went 2km off course. By the time he had retraced the trail he had lost his lead but still came in a very respectable 12th in just over 2 hours.
Philip Morris, celebrating his 34th birthday, kept the British flag flying by finishing in joint first place with Phudorjee Lama Sherpa (Peregrine and First Ascent), in 1 hour and 38 mins, which in the hot conditions encountered today, was extremely impressive. Phil, a regular London marathoner, recently came 10th in the Pokhara marathon and seems to be on top form.
The first mountain biker over the line was Biprendra Bajracharya in 1 hour 41 minutes, followed very closely by Kaji Sherpa. The only female rider Nirjala Tamrakar (Fluidforce) unfortunately had a collision with a pedestrian on the way out of Besi Sahar which ruinedher chances of a top placing. Luckily she avoided any major injuries and will be able to continue tomorrow.
It’s also looking like being a runners day tomorrow as, although the trail starts with a 500m descent, it's then a gruelling 6km 1000m climb.
Results for day 1
1st Philip Morris (run) - 1:38:40
1st Phudorjee Lama Sherpa (run) - 1:38:40
3rd Biprendra Bajracharya (bike) - 1:41:54See All Event Posts
