adidas TERREX Swift
The Morning After
Rob Howard / 03.06.2012
The first full night, especially one when it’s cold and windy and the weather turns cold, is a big test for the teams. When most of those teams are new to multiday racing it’s an even bigger test.
Inevitably, the race slowed down overnight as teams stopped to sleep, took longer in transitions and their pace and decision making slowed. Their priorities had shifted away from speed and towards safety and survival and this affected decisions by the slower teams on how much of the course to do, and also whether or not to continue. Several chose to miss most or all of the mountain biking at Gisburn and the micro navigation at Malham as they took shorter course options.
By Sunday morning three teams had decided to pull out of the race and 2 more were continuing unranked. Bluecrest Captial Management, Wolfskins and Rockhoppers withdrew at Kirkby Malham, and the Calder Valley and AVT Asset Management teams had team members withdraw, but are continuing unranked.
Fortunately the route means teams are quite close to the start point at Settle so can either cycle back to base or be transported if they need any assistance. All the teams are OK and accounted for, though their trackers may not have updated for some time overnight if they have been sleeping undercover – which several have.
At the front of the race the two leading teams, closely pursued by For Goodness Shakes Nectar, are moving around the later part of long mountain bike stage and are still close together, having swapped the lead at times during the night. They are not quite so far ahead of the expected fastest race pace now, but they are well ahead of any rivals and having one of the most intense and competitive races we’ve witnessed for a while.
[Update; Team For Goodness Shakes Superberry have also withdrawn due to cold and fatigue.]
SleepMonsters
