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Crash Course in Outback Survival

06.09.2004

On a stage set amidst the geological and ecological wonders of the Western Australian outback and the vagaries of a constantly changing climate, the 24 teams gathered to dispute the final stage of the X-adventure Raid Series, had to contend with both drama and disappointment.

French team SYBELLES-ESF (FRA) managed to hold off a series of challenges to earn their first ever win and qualify for The Raid World Championship in Patagonia next November.

The grand finale got underway on Saturday at precisely 06:30, as the 24 teams took to their bikes for the 37km opening section but about 10km out from the first assistance point a number of teams took a tumble when wheels and pedals became entangled.

Sandra Limouzin, of EAFIT.COM (FRA), took the brunt of the shock fracturing her right wrist and almost everyone around her fell too, as though a hole had suddenly opened in the road and engulfed the speeding mass of bikes and bodies. Magaly Chavanne of NORDIC AVENTURE.COM (FRA) was also mangled and both girls were immediately given x-rays. Isabelle Moretti, from SYBELLES-ESF (FRA), emerged from the wreckage with a gashed right knee.

Faced with a gruelling 23km run along the gorge to the famous Z Bend (replacing the initial canoeing section), some teams were forced by the injuries to use an all male configuration. SAAB SALOMON (GBR) were in their element and put in the fastest time over the section. EAFIT.COM (FRA), inspired by the mercurial Sandra Limouzin, now sidelined with a plastered wrist, also had a tremendous race with closest rivals SYBELLES-ESF (FRA).

Last minute arrivals SALOMON NEUQUENTUR ARGENTINA (ARG) went nip and tuck with local favourites AROC/MOUTAIN DESIGN (AUS), with both teams aiming for qualification spots in zone VII and VIII respectively. WILSA SPORT/HELLY HANSON (FRA) were also pushing hard for maximum of points to lift themselves into contention in zone IV.

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