Southern Traverse
Perfect Start to Southern Traverse
Victoria Warman / 09.11.2003
As the clock struck 8.30, the competitors raced through the Octagon and down Stuart Street to the harbour on the start of their 411km race through some of Otago's most demanding terrain that will involve kayaking, trekking, mountain biking and coasteering.
"It was a fantastic sight watching the competitors stream down Stuart Street in a sea of red bibs," said race director, Geoff Hunt. "The conditions couldn't have been more perfect with blue skies and very little wind. It was also good to see so many people coming out and supporting these guys."
At the harbour there was a mad scramble as the teams raced to get their kayaks in the water as quickly as possible. Within half an hour Team Omni Graphic had established a distinct lead closely followed by Green Decoys, Cycle Surgery Scott USA and Icebreaker Bridgedale. The rest of the 31 teams were spread out along Dunedin Harbour enjoying the flat glassy water and spectators lined the shore cheering them on.
The competitors are expected to reach Aromoana Spit Beach within two to four hours where they will embark on the testing 16km coasteering section that will involve scrambling over rocks, swimming round points and avoiding the seals and penguins. As evening falls they will trek for 27km or 9-13 hours in the Silver Peaks area.
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