Réunion d’Aventures
Racing Suspended as the Rains Fall
05.05.2004
The bad weather continues to dominate the race and at the end of day 3 teams faced a compulsory stop on arrival at Hell Bourg in the Cirque de Salazie. Racing will recommence at 0600 on day 4 with teams leaving in order of arrival.The rain has continued to fall and although a new canyon, ‘3 cascades’ has been added to the course for tomorrow, their is a fear that the final canyon, ‘Grand Mere’ may not be passable. All the rivers and canyons are full and the high ground is saturated as it has rained since the race began. Ironically, down on the coastline the sun is shining.
The halt was called partly as the safety teams and marshals are worn out from scouting and preparing alternatives and also rescuing teams who were caught by rising rivers. Before the halt was called teams were spread out over 80km, and the weather was so bad it had made many planned alternatives impossible. And the forecast is for no improvement.
Despite the appalling conditons 2 teams continue to dominate, Wilsa Sport/Helly Hansen and Eider-Go Sport-VSD, who are one hour apart. Wilsa Sport/Helly Hansen arrived at Hell Bourg just before midday today. Third place has been taken over by Renault Sport 1, who are now some hours ahead of Apavou Hotels/Fous de Bassin. The remaining four teams are racing against the clock to reach Hell Bourg.
Sovimef Marine nationale continued to dominate the Adventure class, with a battle between Yves Rocher-Endurance shop and Total MBK, for 2nd and 3rd place, being fought out in the heights above Hell Bourg. Further down the field some of the teams were delayed for safety reasons on arrival at a white water kayak section and have been allowed to continue racing on into the evening in order to make up time lost.
The discovery class was lead by TF1 who arrived at Hell Bourg at 1300, having taken the shortest route. The three teams who were rescued yesterday were repositioned on the course and have followed the discovery route, although two members of the local team, Distri PC-Distri Bur, have dropped out due to injury. Fujifilm has managed to catch and pass the Reunion students, who are continuing unranked.See All Event Posts
