Southern Traverse
Seagate takes lead
Claire Hathaway / 18.11.2002
The Nelson team led by Nathan Faa’vae, who’s represented New Zealand in mountain biking, are known for their cycling strength. They took the lead from Sportzhub.com overnight battling snow flurries and rain showers not to mention night-time visibility.
Sportzhub.com dropped to third position after being passed by Lythgoe, the family team of three brothers led by sister Nicola Davies, from the United Kingdom.
Race director Geoff Hunt says 24 hours into the race the front teams are keeping the pace which organisers expected.
“The whole field has coped well with the first day and night and are in good spirits despite snow flurries and rain overnight.
“I expect Seagate.com to maintain first and perhaps increase their one hour lead as they are strong on the water�, he says.
The next leg is a 33km kayak through the Pelorus Sound. Tactically, teams will have to decide the best way to deal with the dark zone rule that will be enforced between the hours of 9pm and 6am.
No teams are allowed on the water between these times and a time penalty of 15 minutes will be incurred for every minute a team is found on the water. Any team found on the water after 9.30pm will be disqualified, so it is serious stuff.
Weather may also play a part in today’s proceedings on the water. A gail force wind warning has been given for Cook Strait, but the Pelorus Sound may be sheltered enough for this not to be a problem.
Those teams still up in the Richmond Ranges may have to deal with strong southerly winds and intermittent rain today.
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