XPD Australia
Trek Cut Off - Too Early for Some
Media Release / 28.05.2010
There is quite a hoard of sore and stiff people hobbling around Cairns at the moment. While some may appear sorry and subdued, regardless of their position or ranking status, each and every one has undoubtedly given all they had to give to their XPD adventure, expedition and team and this is what every racer can be proud of. Day 9 saw another 5 teams finish XPD Cairns 2010, starting early in the day with 'It’s All Good' (33) crossing the line at dawn at 05:52. Later in the afternoon the much supported Kiwi team 'Nga Rakau' (34) came in at 13:37. The 'Dancing Pandas' (50) were next at 19:45, and excitement of the day came with a close sprint finish when 'Aberdeen Australia' (20) squeezed in 5 minutes ahead (22:40) of French team 'Wenger-Nam-EasyImplants' (3) at 22:45.
Just into Day 10 another close finish saw 'OspreyPacks/nitelights.co.nz' (31) slide in just ahead (00:30) of 'BMX Bandits' (17) at 00:35.
Teams that have completed XPD or finished racing, with their supporters, are creating quite an atmosphere around HQ. There is quite an awesome vibe of respect, support and friendship among everyone, even the resort staff are joining the crew in congratulating the teams as they finish.
To ensure that teams have a chance of completing the course, the cut off to start the final trek (Leg 11) was specified as no later than 06:00 Thursday (Day 9) from Kairi Creek (CP23), having paddled 15km northward across Tinaroo Dam. Teams that have finished have averaged 32 hours to complete this last 60km trek. It involves difficult rainforest navigation through Danbulla /Dinden National Parks, descent down off the tablelands via Crystal Cascades (CP25) and then a torturous slog on bitumen across Cairns city to reach Rydges on the Esplanade (CP27).
Unfortunately 9 teams on 130km MTB didn’t make the cut off – they were able to finish the last MTB leg and then awaited transport back to Cairns from the Tinaroo Water Ski Club (CP22) on either Day 9 or Day 10.
This cohort included: 'Blood, Sweets and Beers' (43); 'Adrename'n (32); 'More Training Required' (10); 'Wait Awhile' (16); 'Townsville Adventure Racing' (18); 'Rare Thinking' (47); 'Born to Be Wild' (12); and 'Fully Rad to the Power of Sick' (8).
A number of teams were also held back on finishing the 60km Chillagoe Station trek (Leg 8) at Mt Mulligan (CP17) and they have all been transported back to Cairns. These 5 teams finished the trek late on Day 8 or early Day 9: 'Adidas Sports World Hong Kong' (9); 'Juggernaught' (21); 'Muppets' (39); 'Northwest Profile #5' (48); and 'Dukes of Hazzard' (30).
On Day 8 'Ay Up Grylls' (22) had started on the Chillagoe Station trek (Leg 8), but turned back to Nine Mile (CP15) when some medical issues raised concerns whether they could safely complete that whole leg without needing assistance. The SPOT tracking allowed their change of plan to be noticed by race officials, and so assistance was arranged to transport them back to Cairns before they had even found a way to contact the race organisers and request help.
Another two teams have also been transported back to Cairns after the paddle across Lake Tinaroo: 'SCAR' (23); and 'Where the Fukrwe' (38). The later team had received assistance and bypassed Leg 8 and were permitted to cycle 130km MTB.
As of Day 10 there are still 11 teams on the final trek (Leg 11) – it is likely that there could be more than one guest appearance by a finishing team during the awards dinner on Friday evening.
For now, most of the teams are staying high on the ridges approaching Lake Morris, as per the Course Booklet’s recommendations, and according to the teams that have finished the navigation is very tricky here. Due to this, it is expected that most teams will rest where they are for the night and use daylight on the final day to assist with the difficult navigation though that section. Keep watching and keep supporting – the outcome of these teams is bound to be interesting.See All Event Posts
