XPD Expedition
XPD on Hold Due to Snow in the High Country
Rob Howard / 22.11.2008
Some teams had already retired, but those still on the course are all being moved to the race mid-camp at the village of Tintaldra to await the restart of the race.
The latest news from the race is as follows;
0752 - A decision has been made to stop the course and transport all racers to midcamp.
There are currently 15 teams out on the 210km mountain bike leg. As these teams pass through CP10 they will be told to stop racing and make their way to midcamp, by the fastest route possible. Those past CP10 will be stopped at the end of the MTB/start of Murray kayak leg due to weather conditions. All competitors who have yet to start the Mountain Bike leg will be bussed to Mid Camp.
The weather forecast continues to intensify with snow falling in Thredbo and moving south.
Teams will wait out the bad weather and then the race will recommence from Mid Camp, estimated in 24-36 hours time.
All remaining officials are preparing Mid Camp for the cold and hungry adventure races, or travelling the mountain bike leg to ensure the safe arrival of all teams. Search and Rescue leader Tom and Co-Race Director Louise are both on the MTB leg along with our very dedicated volunteers.
Tintaldra, a town of 20 plus 120 adventure races
The small town of Tintaldra has quadrupled in size, as XPD takes shelter at Tintaldra Public Hall. Volunteers are cooking up a storm to feed the hungry adventure races as bad weather forecasts put a hold on the race. All teams who had completed the first paddle and were in transition at CP9 have been bussed to Mid Camp.
Mawson, went out on MTB early last night but with the hiker-bike out of the way they pitched their tent in snow at 1400m and after 4hr sleep moved onto CP 9a.
Mawson, Goldfish, Nga Rakua, Securify.co.nz, Starfactor, Yogi Bears, Australaps, were pulled out of CP 9a this morning.
Blackheart smashed through the 210km MTB leg in 17hrs, and pushed onto the Murray paddle facing strong headwind. They arrived at Mid Camp, having completed the entire course thus far, at 1510 this afternoon!
The local caravan park at Tintaldra has been doing roaring trade on $2.50 showers and the pub is getting ready for its biggest night of the year. Race Organisers are assessing the weather forecast and will brief all competitors and officials at 1800 about when race will recommence and any route changes will be made.
SleepMonsters
