The Classic Southern Traverse
Powered by Velvet retains lead
12.04.2008
Led by George Christensen the team was first on the paddle section on the Boyle , Hope and Waiau Rivers at first light this morning along with Icebreaker R & R Sport and the two man team Curried Brothers.
Powered by Velvet broke away from the pack on the 30km mountain section , following the paddle, and arrived at the transition area at The Hossack at 1.27pm followed by the Curried Brothers at 1.54 and Icebreak R & Sport at 2.09pm.
The latter team was hampered by a mechanical fault on one of their bikes but they were philosophical.
“You can’t do anything about it so there’s no point stressing,� says team member Haydn Key.
The lead teams are now on the final mountain trek taking in Mt Percival, followed by a short 9km bike ride over Jollies Saddle and into the finish in Hanmer.
The paddle proved to be a hard luck story for the husband and wife team of Wendy and Willy Roberts of Queenstown who had gone into the overnight trek last night in third place after the day’s racing
“I spent more time swimming I think,� says Wendy after the couple were forced to abandon the paddle section.
Teams who did not reach the end of the stage six mountain bike ride by 5.00pm were being diverted to a shorter 10km mountain trek circumventing Mt Percival.
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