Red Bull Northern Exposure
They’re off – but not without some drama
Rob / 13.04.2002
It wasn’t exactly a smooth start, but almost everyone got away in the end. It had been a very fraught afternoon and evening of briefings and sometimes desperate packing and planning. Planner Gary Tompsett was heard to say, “I think we’ve succeeded in frying everyone before the start!�
Some teams were organised enough to grab an hour or so of sleep, seeking out a warm spot in the main building and away from the frantic activity around the tent. Steve Birkinshaw of Team Bridgedale Ireland was a little bleary eyed as he put his contact lenses in, but was looking forward to the race. “It’s going to be fun, it’s a nice change not to be expected to go flat out at the front - we are out for a good time.� He was being modest about his chances though. His team, Bridgedale Ireland, have a lot of experience and are still likely to do well.
Surprisingly race favourites Parrot Lythgoe and Goretex Golite seemed to be 2 of the most stressed out teams, but Keith Byre of Team Total Adventure was relaxing and putting his feet up in the lodge. “Two of my team mates spend all winter working in the Avalanche information service here and the other runs the Braemar Youth Hostel, I’ve left all the planning and mapping to them! I don’t think my kit has ever been better prepared for a race.�
Outside among the tents Team On The Hill Volunteers were literally jumping about, partly to keep warm and partly out of nervousness. They had all originally volunteered to marshal, then at the last minute responded to a call to form a volunteer team. Thor Egerton explained the team’s history for the T.V. cameras. “We only got together once before the race and that was in the pub. With 7 days notice there isn’t much time for team training.� Christine Allan said, “I’m scared and nervous and cold. I’m not worried about the biking but almost everything else is new to me, I’ll just be happy to finish.� Rob Priestley chipped in, “We had to learn winter mountaineering out of a book – which is a bit scary.�
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