Guadarun 2008
A Hot Start
Bryan Sharp / 06.04.2008
La Desirade - Day 1; After a comfortable night under canvas we unzipped the tent to be greeted by the gentle lapping of the Atlantic and mile upon mile of golden sand. Petit Dejeuner as it was to be known for the next few days was served up to the 40 or so competitors at a rather unsociable 05:30 hours. A quick warm up, stretch, last minute kit check and the race start was upon us! A 07.00 start would ensure (or so we thought) that we would avoid the blistering sun and complete the 26km circuit of the island quicker than you could say "Factor 50".
Stage 1 started with a gentle ascent along coastal roads and footpaths. The first 10km's or so was well marked and easy to follow. With a cool morning sun and a gentle sea breeze thing's seemed pretty easy, however this was about to change. After turning at a cliff top lighthouse and across volcanic rocks we were met with a meandering ascent that had the 4x4 support vehicles struggling for breath!
The majority of the competitors walked the ascent as the sun began to beat down and the cooling breeze disappeared below us. An undulating cliff-top track provided welcome relief from burning thighs, but not the heat of the sun, before we descended back into town through crowds of cheering locals to the finish line on the beach.
A hearty feast of fresh fruit to replenish the fuel tank for tomorrow and a quick dip in the ocean was a far more welcome post0race treat than the usual Mars Bar and tin foil blanket combo! A beautiful lunch was served almost as quickly as it was eaten, tents were packed and we were on our way to the ferry to Grand Terre for day 2.See All Event Posts
