Crocodile Trophy
Elite Fighter in Ultimate Survival Exercise
John Flynn / 13.10.2008
Not since the days of his SAS training has retired elite soldier Matt Powell been confronted with such a daunting survival exercise! When the man known in South-East Queensland cycling circles as “Matt Dog� takes to the dirt for the 1300 kilometre journey in Australia’s Crocodile Trophy, he’ll once again be clinging to the age-old motto “who dares wins�. Powell, who took up cycling in 2006 to shed pounds and get his body back to top condition, pencilled in the Crocodile Trophy as one of his great racing ambitions almost a year ago … and now has followed through.
“I am at the stage of I wish it was tomorrow and I wish it was also three months away,� Powell revealed. “I now have the feeling, what the flip have I gotten myself into?�
Sponsored by up-market Brisbane bikeshop “Velo Cycles�, Powell has drawn on his military experience to make a meticulous preparation for the event, both on and off the bike. He was one of the first riders to contact the race organisation seeking “intel� and, with the help of partner Natalie, has already ensured his Crocodile Trophy campsite will be the envy of others.
“Counter-intel� gathered on a “recon� by the Crocodile Trophy organisation (with the help of Powell’s training buddies), suggests the rider, who is one of the mainstays of mountain biking in South-East Queensland, is in the form of his life and could be a contender in the Trophy’s masters category.
After an impressive result at the Flight Centre Epic, Powell has been rounding out his training on Brisbane’s classic climbs, including Mount Nebo. “I would be a fool if I didn't appreciate all that I have experienced leading up to this event,� an enthusiastic Powell said.
“It's not just about the 9 days of racing for me. It is the entire experience leading up to, during (the event) and I am very excited about what is to come once it is completed.�
Fellow Queenslander Naomi Hansen is also taking a meticulous approach to the race, especially on paper. Hansen has been dotting I’s and crossing t’s, as she considers her mortality.
“I have been riding with the Noosa road crew Tuesdays and Thursdays, trying to hang on to the end, and they are continually telling me how they have seen footage of The Croc and it always involves tears,� Hansen said.
“I am not afraid of crying, but I confess purchasing and submitting a 'will kit' yesterday, just in case.�
Originally designed by event supremo Gerhard Schoenbacher as a survival exercise, the Crocodile Trophy places professionals and amateurs on an equal footing.
Bush camping is mandatory and all riders are required to queue at the camp kitchen in the evening and at breakfast for meals. “The greatest pleasure I get from the race is to hand out the ‘salties’ (Croc Trophies) at the final race dinner in Cape Tribulation,� Schoenbacher said.
“The glory of the Crocodile Trophy is in finishing.�See All Event Posts
