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Ready, set, go!

Rosi / 11.08.2004

The longest ever expedition adventure race in Australia has started with all teams successfully completing the first leg - a 50km mountain bike that included some art appreciation with CP1 at the amazing Living Desert Sculptures, a trip down to the Daydream mine for CP2 and a visit to the ghost town of Silverton for the third checkpoint.

After a fast start to the race, AROC, Millie and Giddiup came into transition at Silverton together.

Taking an early lead AROC (Tom Landon Smith, Alina MacMaster, Nigel Aylott, Adam Hunter) - the hot favourite for the event left transition 1 a minute ahead of Millie (Toby Cogley, Matt Blundell, Jay Wilson, Zoe King) who were only a minute ahead of Giddiup (David Wood, Keith Macqueen, Struan Lamont, Diane Owens)

Not too far behind, Adventure Guides experience showed as they got through transition in only 14 minutes, to leave in 4th place, with Albury Wodonga on their tails, and Mawson only a few minutes behind them, and all within half an hour of the leaders.

Its early days yet, and Leg 2 will certainly split the teams up with a 45km trek through the Barrier ranges. According to race organiser Louise Foulkes its a tough trek - very remote with difficult navigation and constant up and down through the hills, travelling over loose, rocky ground.

Coming up teams will pass through CP4 Mt Umberumberka, CP5 Mt Mundi Mundi, CP6 Ruins Mundi Mundi homestead, CP7 Top Hill, CP8 Top Mt Robe, CP9/TA Nick Name \"Eldee\".

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