Swisse Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge
Cold weather and choppy seas on Day 3 of Mark Webber adventure race
Will Gray / 29.11.2013
The third day of the Swisse Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge took place in Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania and the wild and rugged terrain lived up to its reputation with strong winds and cold weather challenging the hardest of adventure racers and Olympians alike.
The two New Zealanders, team discovertasmania.com, Richard Ussher and Braden Currie crossed the finish line first again for the third day running and despite the cold and windy conditions, their day was relatively smooth, but did include a bit of drama during the kayak leg to Hell’s Gate, where Team Swisse Active’s Jarad Kohlar and James Pretto bumped into the leading pair.
“The boats can be really, really close and there is a big advantage if you’re sitting right behind the boat in front,” said Ussher.
The pair further extended their lead and the plan is to do the same on Day 4, which will head to Mt Field and Derwent Valley.
“We’re looking forward to tomorrow, hopefully there will be no mistakes so we can keep our lead,” said Currie.
Olympic kayak gold medalist Kenny Wallace enjoyed the day out on the rough water and even the mountain bike but the run legs are proving to be a challenge.
“The running is tearing me apart. The bike and paddling I am getting through, even the first half of the run, but after that, it feels like my legs are going to collapse,” said Wallace.
His teammate, triathlete Courtney Atkinson, is taking as much direction when it comes to paddling from the gold medalist.
“I was getting instructions on where to steer as Kenny knows the water so well,” said Atkinson.
The Swisse Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge continues tomorrow for day four of the five day adventure race. The competitors head back to the rugged mountains and will take on Mt Field and Derwent Valley.
Results – Day 3
1st Richard Ussher / Braden Currie, Team discovertasmania.com - 02:59:17
2nd Jarad Kohlar / James Pretto, Team Swisse Active - 03:14:01
3rd Ken Wallace / Courtney Atkinson, Team Red Bull - 04:37:37
About Day 3
Day three of the Swisse Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge started with a 100m swim to shore in the chilli waters of West Strahan Beach. From there competitors transitioned into the first of three paddle legs around Long Bay, picking up check points at Risby Cove then back to West Strahan Beach for a 20km mountain bike along Ocean Beach to Hell’s Gate.
From there, competitors transitioned into the second paddle leg which takes them through Hell’s Gate to Pilot Beach. The paddle leg was just 4.5km and competitors were helped along the rough seas with a strong current and tailwind.
The only run leg for the day was a 10km leg through Tiddy’s Beach to Cape Sorrell lighthouse, which was quite rugged but scenic with 270 degree water views and big crashing waves.
The third and last kayak leg for the day again takes competitors through Hell’s Gate and up to Lucas Point then back again and onto the final mountain bike leg along Macquarie Heads back to the centre of town to Strahan Village.
Competitors covered a distance of 72kms.
The event is raising money to two charities, Whitelion and Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.
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