Protrek Win Action Asia Challenge Macau

Rob Howard / 07.06.2005

The recent Macau stage of the Action Asia Challenge series had 322 participants from around the world, a record for the event. This was the event’s second visit to Macau, and the course made the most of the beautiful mountain tracks and scenic spots in the surrounding countryside.

The opening ceremony and starting point was at Pousada Marina Infante, Taipa, from where the 8 hour race began at seven in the morning. Along the course, competitors arrived at the Hac Sa Beach where they swam across the ocean. At Coloane Trail, they were tested on their rope skills and wall-climbing skills. Then they abseiled down the Ka Ho Dam to Ka Ho Village. They also performed rock scrambling at Cheoc Van Beach and passed the finish line at the Westin Resort in Coloane.

Team Protrek, made up of Daniel Brown and Pedro Ribeiro, were the winners of the race. They finished in 4 hours 32 minutes and 32 seconds and Ribeiro said, “I am tired but excited. In an adventure race, many things could happen, like weather changes or equipment failure. Today’s was a good race with all the fun and adventure that an athlete can hope for. It was very challenging.” The second team were ‘Fit Like’, with Russel Allen and Miguel Freitas and third place went to team ‘Protrek GoLite’, Wong Wai Kin and Shum Yiu Fai.

Michael Maddess, Director of Action Asia Events, had a torrid week prior the race due to exceptionally stormy weather. “This was one of the most exhausting weeks of my life”, he said. “The majority of the AAC people didn’t sleep much in the previous week, in view of the havoc the weather was causing. In fact, we cancelled some treacherous checkpoints such as the ocean fixed line, which was too dangerous for the competitors. Fortunately, we manage to respond quickly to turn things around and make a successful course.”