It began in the town of Calvi, so this morning’s drive was back across the island, to park up by the town’s marina, where some luxury yachts are berthed and the passengers from cruise liners come ashore to enjoy the atmosphere and shops of the town.  Two huge liners were moored up this morning, one offshore and the other alongside the town’s citadel, which forms one of the marina walls.

 

It was still relatively quiet at 9.00 when the teams gathered for a briefing, same a lusty ‘happy birthday’ to the Race Director, and then set off to run the short distance past the marina to the beach. There they started a long kayak stage, taking them around the coast through the Gulf of Revellata and up to the tip of the Punta Bianca peninsula. Once there they doubled back to the Plage de l’Alga to jump on their bikes, taking in some CP’s on the peninsula before heading inland and uphill from more riding on 4x4 trails.

 

There were impressive view back down to Calvi and bays either side of it, but was hot and hard riding to reach the bike drop off point by the village of Pietramoggiore (CP17). There was still more climbing to come though, this time on foot as they completed a trail run circuit taking in the peak of Capu di a Veta (703m).  Crossing the peak Raid Quechua were once again first through, but on the following bike stage, which took teams across country, they slipped back, losing time to several teams, including leaders Vibram Lafuma, who were happy to hear their rivals were now behind them!

 

This ride passed the village of Lumio and took in a range of flower covered, low hills – the teams are seeing the island at its best at this time of year.  Their destination was the coastal town of Algajola and the final beach CP, where they climbed back in their kayaks to return to Calvi.  (I’m sure there are some marshals in this race who have spent the whole 5 days on the beach!)

 

First down to Algajola was the Spanish team Catraid, who have had a good race, despite being a combination of pairs from two teams, and coming with only a single supporter who was new to her role.  The race has gone well for them and they were hoping to set off in their kayaks and have the pleasure (and applause and excitement) of being the first to finish, but the race pushed the restart time for the final kayak stage back as the Spaniards were the only team to arrive in time – which was a bit hard on them!