AR World Championship 2005
Golite Stay Ahead of Port Nelson
Rob Howard / 18.11.2005
As he stood on the finish line Billy Mattison of Golite Timberland said his team had learned a lot last year, and this time were better prepared and equipped. Asked if last year’s result was more satisfying than this 3rd place he said, “Yeah, we were … oh we were second last year. But this is still much better as we beat so many world class teams.� He added, “It’s a good way to finish too as I’m retiring from adventure racing now. I’m 48 and it’s time to leave the younger kids to play!�
Anna Keeling was smiling after making a successful return to adventure racing. She raced Southern Traverse 15 years ago then concentrated on mountain guiding, but she came back this year to finish 3rd in the World Championships! It was a great achievement too for Jamie Stewart, who was on the support crew last year, and a late entry to the team. This was one of the hardest races ever put on … and it was his first! And for Aaron Prince it was another successful race – he is the youngest ever to race in Southern Traverse and a former winner.
Port Nelson had lots of friends crew cheering them as they used a tent fly as a ‘sail’ to help pull them along the beach. As they passed at high tide they had to take two short raft trips across rivers and ran into the finish to a rousing reception. Someone shouted, “You’ve had a great race, you weren’t outsiders, you were not even mentioned!� Balance Vector were among the racers gathered to congratulate them.
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