The Speigths Coast to Coast
Walker Beats The World & Weather
Michael Jacques / 17.02.2010
Walker came into the 243k race cycle, run and kayak race across the South Island. But both he and 750-odd other competitors from 17 countries were thrown into turmoil as extreme weather forced drastic changes to the traditional course..
The world championship event, featuring 175 competitors, was affected worst. The race started on the West Coast beach of Kumara this morning in torrential rain and strong northwest winds. And while the first cycle, a 58k ride to Aikens Bend near Otira, was unaffected the rest of the race was turned on its ear as safety measures took precedence over performance.
With increasingly extreme weather and raging rivers the traditional 33k mountain run across Goat Pass was replaced by a 32k road run over Arthur’s Pass to Klondyke Corner. And instead of the 67k white water kayak and 70k cycle sections to Christchurch, competitors slogged through a 135 cycle, a 17k kayak on the Avon River and 7k cycle to the finish.
But something about the Speight’s Coast to Coast will never change. The start was still at Kumara Beach and the finish was on the other side of the South island at Sumner Beach, and the winner was once again Gordon Walker.
The 36 year old exercise physiologist used his training and education to good effect, executing a shrewd plan that saw him shrug off a less than perfect build up to once again claim the world title.
A gale force tail wind could not outweigh the energy sapping effect of torrential rain and a cracking pace set by Brazilian darkhorse Kenny de Sousa. But Walker took on the role of patron in the chase bunch, whipping things along so that they had reeled in the Brazilian challenge by the end of the ride.
But the pace and the weather had taken its toll. A select bunch of just 18 riders started the run together, with former New Zealand duathlon representative Simon Kristiansen setting a cracking pace as they started the long climb up the Arthur’s Pass viaduct.
Kristiansen still led more than two hours later as they started the 135k cycle off the mountains and down to the Canterbury Plains. But at the same time Walker and 24 year old Foxton athlete Dougal Allen had joined forces in a tactical chase that would see then sweep into the lead approx 30k into the ride.
“I knew Simon wouldn’t last out there by himself,� said Walker after eventually winning in 9hrs 43min 24secs. “It was a tough day to be out there all by yourself, so Dougal and I just sat back on the run and then worked together on the ride to pick him up.�
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