Yak Attack
Into the Snow Zone
Phil Evans (Extreme World Challenges) / 18.03.2011
<b>Stage 8 - Manang to Thorong Phedi 17km, 980m ascent.</b>After a well deserved rest day to allow for acclimatisation to the ensuing increase in altitude, and for repairs to bodies and bikes, the riders were once again on the move. There was a certain trepidation in the air as today the final destination for the stage was to be Thorong Phedi at 4540m above sea level, taking them into a zone where altitude sickness is a very real danger. There were also rumours of snow higher up the route to unnerve the riders even more and the 45cm of compact snow lying in the alleyways of Manang did nothing to alleviate these fears.
A steep start up through Gunsang village soon split the field and some sharp rideable climbs had the legs and lungs burning of all but the fittest riders. A section of flowing, dry single track high above the river took the riders onto Yak Kharka at over 4000m . From here on up the going got a little slower with icy, muddy and snow covered sections with the altitude also slowing the pace.
Towards the end of the stage a course diversion was necessary as the main trail was covered in sheer ice. The diversion saw the riders scrambling down the valley side and along side the river before climbing up to cross a rickety wooden bridge, followed by the last carry section of the day.
The final 2km were moderately flat but tricky riding, taking in loose scree slopes and rock covered sections before the final ascent of stone steps led the riders into the Thorong Phedi hotel at the foot of the Thorong La pass and the resting point for the evening.
Rajeev Rai (John McGillivray) showed his supremacy at altitude riding today, finishing 17minutes ahead of overall leader Ajay Chhetri (Genesis/Torq). Narayan Gopal Maharajan (Ed Menzies) came back to form with a second place only 2 minutes after Rajeev, and Mangal Lama suffering from a crash and mechanical problem late on in the stage did well to finish third.
Australia took first and second place in the international stakes with chilled out Paul Bolla using his inner tube brake modifications to great extent, coming in first with Mark Waller enjoying his new found form just minutes behind.
Paul summed up his day with; " Ah, I was just cruising along today, I couldn’t push myself too hard because the altitude did for me. I hated the first four days, they were too hot, too hilly and just not fun, but I’m lovin this now!"See All Event Posts
