Baja Travesia 2008
A last-minute decision from Sweden...
Jacqueline Windh / 19.03.2008
Two-time champions DART-nuun will have some tough competition this year. “While we think they will be fast (as usual), it is going to be hard for them to run away from the competition this year,� says RD Karen Lundgren. “They tell us they are training hard and will do just about anything to keep the Baja Travesia perpetual cup in their possession.�Karen says that she and co-RD Paul Romero have heard rumours that several of the teams are coming to Baja with the specific purpose of dethroning the defending champs. “Many of the teams are not bringing their standard line-up. It seems like a number of teams have mixed and matched their players, to bring their fastest team to the table. It should be interesting to watch the teams, and see how it all plays out.�
The new breaking news is that, only yesterday, Mikael and Helena Nordlind have decided to come over from Sweden, to race on team Silly Rabbits with Rick Barraff.
Baja Travesia is introducing an all-women’s category to the competition this year. While there was a lot of interest from female teams, Paul and Karen are a bit disappointed that only two teams signed up for 2008. “Believe me, I know plenty of women that can manage this course,� says Paul, “but getting them all to team up and organize for this effort is a tall order. We've heard from some, that just want to wait one year and see how the women do this year.�
The two female teams that have entered are Canadian team Hilarious (Claire Thompson, Christina Moon, Nicole Rehn) and USA team Eastern Mountain Sports Team eXXtreme (Jennifer Shultis, Jennifer Johnson, Melissa Coombs).
Personally, I am thrilled to see an all-women’s category here – hats off to Paul and Karen for making this happen. (Word is that the Bull of Africa is also offering a female category too). While men for the most part have a strength advantage on short and fast courses, time and time again I have seen female racers finish as strong as, or stronger than, their companions on the longer (4+ days) non-stop races. See All Event Posts
