Raid Gauloises
A Race for the First Dark Zone
Raid Gauloises Reporting Team / 10.06.2003
At precisely 6:15, a slightly earlier start than originally planned in order to minimise the risks associated with a low snow line (3,400m) and extended exposure to what will no doubt be a scorching sun, the Vice-premier of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Ortobaiev, signalled the race start and a steady stream of athletes embarked upon what could well prove to the most extraordinary and demanding competitive experience of their lives.
The 52km initial trek took them beyond 3,800m, giving them ample opportunity to encounter the still fresh and unblemished snow that lies everywhere above 3,400m, without counting the fact that even this early in the race, there is a deadline of 18:30 for CP3, the start of the first 62.5km, class II to III canoeing section, allowing them a meagre 12 hours to complete a gruelling and somewhat risky high altitude dash. Only 500 metres on from the starting line, the group of 144 athletes had already split into two groups ... but everyone was moving relatively quickly, unquestionably spurred on by the ticking clock.
As the teams came through CP1, just 6km into the race, a little over 10 minutes separated the field and, though many had chosen to pace themselves against the clock some had chosen alternative strategies, deciding to push hard immediately. Others, however, were obviously suffering from circumstances beyond their control. Nathan Fa’ave, SEAGATE (NZ), was struggling to keep up with the rest of his team: “I was sick yesterday and it isn\'t going so well� he confided. Eero Jappinen, of LAPIN KULTA (FI), appeared to be lagging and was being towed by team captain Pasi, causing the entire team to stall and fall an ominous 20 minutes off the leaders.
Both Nathan and Eero are purported to be in poor shape, after developing intestinal infections the evening before the race. The rest of the field was moving along steadily an working hard on the slight uphill stretch to the first pass, warming up to attack the snow laden heights between CP2 and CP3.
At CP2, at 3,850m, a large group of around 21 teams reached the pass together, following each other steadily like a long snaking caravan. The hot sun made the thigh deep snow very soft and the teams were finding the going quite tough. SALOMON SUISSE (CH) came through CP2 in first place and though a number of teams only stopped long enough to punch their cards, 15 teams did, however, stop to rest and eat. Either they were in need of a break or were confident of their pace over the next section. A calculated risk that could prove fatal, missing the “cut off� at the start of the canoeing section at CP3 would mean instant elimination.
SAAB SALOMON (GB), SEAGATE (NZ), with Nathan Fa\'ave obviously feeling better, and MONTRAIL were all in the group following the Swiss team. ATENAH BRAZIL (BR), TEAM KYRGYZSTAN (KG) and possibly ENDURANCE ADVENTURE.COM (FR) all appeared off the pace and could struggle to beat the dark zone that kicks in at 18:30 at CP3. If they do, their race would be effectively over.
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