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Nike Edge Ahead of Adventure Sports NZ in Prologue

Susanne Jacob / 23.08.2007

As expected Team Nike won the Prologue on Day 1, but Adventure Sports NZ and Lafuma Sport 2000 were following closely – probably closer than Nike would have liked. Team Nike had some nerve-racking moments with a blown tyre just a few minutes before the race start and an unwanted swim during the kayak section.

Other teams also had difficulties on the Wulong River, brought on by big swells by passing police boats. The Wulong River was a bit faster flowing with bigger waves than anticipated by most teams. All teams were offered spray skirts but deemed it unnecessary to use them – a bad error for some ...

The 3 meter climbing wall after the run and again after the kayak section proved to be a major hurdle (literally) for some teams. The first time round 10 to 15 teams tried to climb the wall at once, with limited success. Sweaty hands did not make it easier and some suffered bad bruises.

Most teams struggled with the heat in this short and fast paced race – even though the weather conditions were relatively benign with low clouds and no direct sun. The next few days will be more challenging for the athletes.

The prologue was a real crowd pleaser with lots of Chinese spectators lined up with flags and drums and trying to get ‘really close’ to the athletes, including taking photos with the international adventure racers where possible.

All teams finished the prologue, with a gap of about 30 minutes between first and last place.

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