Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge
A Change is as Good as a Rest
07.11.2006
The teams were nevertheless transferred to the start of the day’s first stage at the Cradle Mountain Chateau—planned for 8am.
Fortunately, the weather was on their side and the high winds and snow alerts for Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain forced a change of plan from course director Tim Saul. The planned kayaking leg in Dove Lake and 15km summit walk up the picturesque Cradle Mountain in stage 1 had to be scrapped at the last minute and competitors welcomed the two hour delayed start, taking the time to dry their wet clothing and take in some hot drinks and muffins.
Well... Most competitors took the change of plans well – some even rejoiced in the fact that they had a shortened day ahead of them - however Pure Tasmania team member James Cracknell, was overhead talking to team-mate Mark Webber about the disappointment in missing out on the kayaking leg, knowing he would be strong in that discipline - the British rower’s competitive juices still flowing after two days of gruelling activity!
The revised stage 1 started with a neutral 5km bike ride, followed by a neutral walk/run before getting back on the bikes for a timed riding leg—bringing them to the entry of the spectacular Dove Lake. A quick transition saw them hop off the bikes and switch to a 7km run around the lake.
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