YAK ATTACK - SHOWDOWN in the ANNAPURNA\'S
Out of Manang
Phil Evans (Extreme World Challenges) / 13.03.2008
Day 6; Manang to Thorong Phedi - 18km/4450mAfter a rest day in Manang the destination for day 6 was Thorong Phedi, situated high in the mountains at 4450m.
The majority of the Yak Attack contingent spent the morning of the rest day climbing up to a glacial viewpoint to aid acclimatization, and then attending a talk on altitude sickness (AMS) in the afternoon by the HRA. (Himalayan Rescue Association)
Alarmingly during the talk a helicopter arrived in Manang to evacuate a trekker who had gained the unenviable title of first AMS victim of the season. Then the evening was spent watching "Into Thin Air" - which did nothing to quell anybodies fears about the ensuing altitude!
Day 6 was described as “75% rideable� but with a steep climb out of Manang, the runners were bound to get an early lead.
Although the going may have been tough, with diminishing oxygen levels as the competitors climbed, the scenery was breath taking and the trails were the best riding so far, with miles of singletrack along the mountainside.
By the halfway point Phudorjee (Peregrine Adventures+ First Ascent) had built up a lead but was tailed closely by Dipak Raj Rai (HeatmaxUK). Stage 4 winner Ajay Pandit (Creative Mapping) was not far behind the leaders and he was being shadowed by top biker Kaji Sherpa.
Matt Hart (Torq Fitness), seemingly unaffected by the altitude, came storming through, riding all the climbs to eventually finish 6th overall and 3rd biker on the day.
Philip Morris didn’t fare as well as previous days, finishing 10th , but managing to hold onto his 2nd overall placing.
Lakpa Diki Sherpa (HeatmaxUK) upset the ladies form to beat Yangdi Sherpa (Darrin Crosby Builders) to the finish line by 2 secs.
A tough day follows tomorrow, with a 1000m climb over 3km to reach the pass, followed by a 2700m descent ...
Results for Day 6
1. Phudorjee Lama Sherpa (Peregrine Adventures+ First Ascent) 1:47:52(runner)
2. Dipak Raj Rai (HeatmaxUK) 1:49:49 (runner)
3. Kaji Sherpa 2:03:12 (biker)
3. Ajay Pandit (Creative Mapping) 2:03:12 (biker)See All Event Posts
