Swisse Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge
Strategy and Surprises on Day 2
Will Gray (Webber Challenge) / 08.12.2011
As we rode the waves to the start point past wild coastal scenery to the beautiful and fortunately calm Fortescue Bay, the competitors were wowed both by the jaw-dropping rock formations and the wild helicopter display as a brave TV cameraman was sent swinging in all directions while filming footage for the upcoming TV documentary.
After seeing the daredevil moves of the chopper pilot, the teams were faced with their own nervy moment as they built towards the start of a challenging Day Two. They lined up on the two rigid inflatable boats that had taken them to within 100m of the shore and started the days competition by diving off the edge into the cool crystal clear waters.
A triathlon-style swim to shore was followed by the more traditional adventure racing return to kayaks and a paddle around the bay, where the impressive sea stack of the Totem Pole towered above the kayaks as they threaded their way through the coast.
Teams had their first optional checkpoints of the day here, leading to an immediate split in the field between those who wanted to blast through, save fuel and not pick up the bonuses, and those for whom every time credit was essential to stay in front.
Of the former, Team Red Bull looked strong and V8 racer Rick Kelly and South African Ryan Sandes shot off on the running leg which, although 17km, turned out to be quite a slog, hitting marathon levels for some competitors in terms of time, if not distance – and that followed by a one-hour bike ride.
The overnight leaders, Team Iron House, were flying too, but picking up all the bonus checkpoints in an effort to extend their lead by the end of the day. A few missed turns did hurt them a little but they made the most of their local knowledge on the one-hour rogaine section at Port Arthur Historic Site.
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