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Mind Games at Machynlleth

Rob / 05.09.2003

There was lots of head scratching going on before the start of this year’s X-adventure – it was going to be a complex race, and a very, very tough one. That much was quickly apparent as four 1:50,000 maps were marked up with controls for 3 stages, each of which had detailed notes plus a list of checkpoint grid references, bike drops, transitions and compulsory checkpoints.

The briefing from Race Director Nigel Shepherd threw more choices and a few warnings into the complex tactics that characterised the race.

“The canoe section on stage one is only open from 10.00 to 12.00.�

“Substitutions can only be made at certain compulsory checkpoints and no equipment can be brought in for other team members.�

“Stage two has a choice of a long or short course. The long course is very tough and should not be underestimated. Only consider it if you complete stage one comfortably.�

“Female team members must complete one full, or two half stages during the race.�

The tent with the course maps (which also acted as a warehouse for a lorry of bananas provided by Fyffes) was busy long into the night and it was going to be an early start at 6.00am with precious little sleep after that. When everyone did finally get to bed on the packed campsite set just below the Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth it was under a clear, star lit, sky that promised a cold night and a clear dawn.

All too soon alarms were ringing, and head torches were bobbing around as everyone got ready for the start. There were 37 teams setting off on their bikes into the nearby forest, ranging from novices in their first race, to the UK’s best . Some of these were after British Championship points, as this was round 4 of the 2003 series, and they included race favourites Saab Salomon. The team were under some pressure to win, starting their BARC campaign from scratch as squad changes meant points scored in previous races would not now be able to count.

The North Face Malin had Norman Dunroy back into action quickly after his return from New Zealand, Salomon X-a had a strong team, and Thomas Cook and Team One continued their closely fought BARC campaigns. There were other teams capable of pushing for top three places too, but more than any other this was a race where there was plenty of opportunity for mistakes. Good tactics and team planning were vital, one wrong decision could cost many places and penalties were harsh.

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