Buff Thermocool are the Winners
It was a long race, a long final paddle, and a long wait, but shortly after 18.00 this evening the Buff Thermocool team paddled along the Tormes river into Salamanca and pulled up to the jetty across the water from the town’s magnificent cathedral.
<P>
The Spanish/French team, who have raced together for many years now, had taken far longer on the paddle than expected, and when they arrived the strain of over 9 hours in a boat was showing. A head wind had given them problems, but Benjamin Midena said, “It was a nice river to paddle with some small rapids and islands we had to find a way through, but it was too long.� (No doubt the teams who have to paddled it tomorrow will think so too – those leaving the dam when the dark zone is lifted will have to paddle as quickly as Buff just to make the course closure time.)<P>
Emma Roca was shivering and haggard as she left the kayak and prepared for the final city orienteering run, but jogging around the streets of this historic and beautiful city warmed her up, and soon the finish was in sight.
<P>
This was set up right below the cathedral and at 18.50 the team ran across the line to celebrate their win, one that will be immensely popular in Spain and amongst AR teams and fans across the world. Their friends, family and children were waiting and Fran Lopez lifted up his young son to share an ice cream with him. Emma Roca hugged her husband and tried to hold back the tears and Arnau Julia was on the phone sharing his news with his family.<p>
Midena said the race was won by the team’s technical mountain running skill. “The fact we are all fast over difficult mountains won us the lead and the race,� he said. “We had our low point on the second to last bike ride when we were all very tired, but you cannot be strong all the race. We had our ups and downs too and emotions run high sometimes, especially with a Spanish team, just like any ‘family’.
<p>
The team had an extra treat in store for them after the finish photos and interviews. The Spanish football team was in town, with the World Cup trophy, and they went off to be photographed with this rather more famous sports trophy, but content in the knowledge they too were World Champions. (Spain has had an impressive year for sports victories!)
<p>
By the time second placed team, Blackwater, pulled up at the pier it was dusk, and they crossed the finish line after dark to celebrate and open their champagne. Mike Kloser graciously said Buff Thermocool were worthy winners and said their race hinged on a few small mistakes and poor decisions, but that is what AR is all about. He added that Nathan Fa’ave had suffered badly with sleepmonsters on the final night and nearly crashed his bike several times.
<p>
Fa’ave looked unwell, which is not surprising as he has a heavy chest and eye infection. “I got it on the first night,� he said, “and have not been 100% all race. At times my eyes were so bad I could not see too well and it was like looking through steamed up glasses.� He was obviously finding it hard to breathe and added, “I found the temperature changes hard to deal with and am keen to see a doctor as soon as I can.� It was a tough performance from someone with an illness that would keep most people off work and see them home in bed!
<p>
These two teams were the only finishers on Thursday and there will be rush of finishers on Friday with Silva/Gerber expected to finish third and Outdry fourth.
See All Event Posts
