Czech Adventure Race 2009
Running, skating, swimming and paddling on Day One - teams are now on the 40k paddle.
19.08.2009
Some teams had problems getting ready in time for the bus before race start. Vita from LocalBlok/Bergans team was just closing up his tent with his typical coolness, while the bus was already leaving. But a short run fixed that.
The first stage was just a prologue. Five km of city orienteering were not too challenging, and teams arrived in within a couple of minutes of one other. The first three teams, Tilak, AlpinePro and Swedish SWECO, arrived together, fighting for a single puncher. They set of for the next stage quickly.
The teams ran to the skating stage, taking a look at its course on the way. It was worth it. Part of the road, just following a downhill section, was freshly under repair. But nobody actually had any problems, as the racers had scouted it ahead of time. There was also an artificial obstacle on the skating stage. Some teams jumped it at a high speed, while others stopped and carefully got over it.
From the skating section, teams continued to a bridge, where a ropes ascent and descent took place. Most teams did not have any problem, as it was only thirteen meters high, but the Swedish team had some difficulties. From third place, they dropped to the fourth-from-last place.
The next stage was walking in the direction of the TA. It was about 13 kilometers. On this trek one member of each team had to wade to a little island. Swimming was impossible. Heikki from team Chick n` run was jumping beautifully in the water during his way from the island.
At the next CP, every team received one canoe. Two people had to swim, while two paddled. It was soon clear that paddling is much faster for most people. In some teams, people in canoe almost did not paddle at all.
Teams arrived to TA in following order: Tilak first, Ukrainians second and AlpinePro/Nutrend/Merida third. Tilak however needed a very long time in transition to change. They also had to return to their cabin for paddles, which they had forgotten. In contrast, the Ukrainians continued with no delay, and even third AlpinePro overtook Tilak here.
Teams are now on 40 km paddling stage. You can follow their progress of the race live on <a href="#" onClick="javascript:newsitewindow('http://www.adventurerace.cz')" class="main">www.adventurerace.cz</a>.
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