China\'s Wulong Mountain Quest 2007
Nike takes first place in Stage 1.
Susanne Jacob / 24.08.2007
It is another warm and misty morning as the teams descend down from their moutain lodge at 1800 m to Wulong (300 m) for the start of the race. The start area with all the teamboxes, banners and flags attracts quite a crowd of locals, and only adds to the hustle and bustle of Wulong.
The first run is short and sharp and yesterday\'s top teams reach the first transition close to each other. Nike is the first to hit the water but they are soon overtaken by other teams, such as LaFuma and Adventure Sports NZ. It is well known among the field that paddling is a potential weakness of team Nike, and this is where time is to be made. The boats are difficult to steer, and the many observers from the bridges can see teams spin in their boat, paddling (or drifting) off into weird directions. NZ Cavaliers (Sports Skins NZ) have to reconfigure their boats in an attempt to improve the steering, but with limited success.
The paddle goes through a very scenic gorge with sheer limestone cliffs on each sides. The landscape is stunning. It is, however, an interesting mix of old and new China. Here there are traditional mountain villages and rice paddies, and there are massive construction sites such as tunnels and bridges dotted everywhere in the lush green.
Coming out of the river, it is all uphill for the athletes. After a short 5km run the teams get onto their mountain bikes for a long climb up to about 1000 m. The climb is stunning as it leads through villages - all lined with keen flag-waving locals (even in the middle of nowhere) - rice fields and mind-blowing karst formations. The start of the bike ride poses difficulties as the track is muddy and tyres get clogged up. On steep sections bikes have to be carried as riding bcomes impossible.
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