Southern Traverse
Tears and Smiles
Victoria Warman / 10.11.2003
After a strong performance during the night where they were the clear leaders, Team Omnigraphics slipped back into third place, being overtaken by Icebreaker Bridgedale and Cycle Surgery Scott USA. Injury and sickness contributed to Omnigraphics' slowing of pace and they took the decision to grab half an hour's sleep at the fourth transition point to boost their energy.
Team Ruahine Kayaks' concern of not reaching the cut off point in time spurred them into travelling very quickly and efficiently over the last two stages and as a result rose from 15th to 5th. "We really put the pressure on and it's paid off," said team captain, Kevin Osborne. "The course is much more demanding than last year as it's a lot more tactical."
Race director Geoff Hunt said the day brought perfect racing conditions with settled weather. "The leads that were established have been slowly eroded away as the teams spread out along the course. There are going to be big gaps between the first and last teams through the checkpoints from now on."
Day two also saw the retiring of two teams, Southern Land Rover (NZ) and and Sierra International (NZ), both due to illness. Northern Pride (Canada) and Eventrate (UK) lost team members due to exhaustion and injury but are continuing as three people to finish unplaced.
Overnight the leading teams will mountain bike through Berwick Forest before heading into the remote and exposed Lammerlaws area for one of the most tactical sections of the course.
For up-to-the minute coverage of the race use the link on the right to visit the race website - www.southerntraverse.com.
SleepMonsters
