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The race format is unusual...

Jacqueline Windh / 27.11.2007

The format of today’s competition was again unexpected. For the most part, teams are enjoying all of the activities, and especially Guadeloupe’s spectacular coastline, and they are looking at the event as more of a “competition� than as a traditional “race�. Times are not being taken – instead, every event is scored on a points system, even the racing stages.

We spent the day on a long and narrow penisula that protrudes eastward into the Atlantic from the main part of the island of Grande-Terre. The scenery was indescribably beautiful – please make sure you look at the photo galleries once I have a chance to load them. (We have not been able to stop at places with internet access, so please be patient with my reporting – I am doing my best to write and upload!).

The coastline consists of golden sand beaches separated by rugged headlands of grey spiky limestone. This terrain really took its toll on the runners – the beaches are narrow and steep, so you are running on a sloped surface, and the sand is very soft. The rocks provide more solid footing, but are completely unforgiving for those who slip. There were a lot of racers who were having bloody gashes taped up by midday, including Rock and Rapid Adventure’s Simon Fisher who received a few stitches in his knee and will not be permitted to enter the water for a few days.

The race started with a short but tough 4.5 km coastal run out to the tip of the peninsula, where the turquoise waves dash themselves on the limestone cliffs – in spite of the heat, everyone seemed to appreciate the views from up high. French team X Sport were first up the hill, with the heat causing quite a spread in the field for such a short distance.

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