ITERA - Presented by Open Adventure
Plan B for Bangor
Rob Howard / 11.08.2014
ITERA had to adopt plan B early in the race when the high winds stopped teams paddling beyond Bangor Pier on stage one.
From the start at Caernarfon teams had paddled rapidly through the Menai Strait – not a great surprise as the tide runs at 8 knots through there, and it was close to high tide. The paddle took them along the narrow channel between forested shores down to The Swellies, an area of swirling eddies and rocky islands between the two bridges to Anglesey.
They first passed under the modern road bridge and ahead of them could see the historic Telford suspension bridge, which they shot under, propelled by the tide. Once under the bridge the channel opens up and is an area where a large number of boats are moored, then Bangor Pier comes into view on the horizon.
This was their first checkpoint, where they had to come ashore and get instructions and it was touch and go what would happen to the last minute. The race were keen to send them further round the coastline, at least part way to Conwy, but then news came through of a capsize. With safety boats called back and teams not staying as close together as they should, the decision was quickly made
Just as the leaders were getting ready to paddle again Plan B was put into operation and the bike boxes were unloaded. Teams would now cycle round to Conwy on the back roads rather than paddle.
Teams were timed out at Bangor and given 30 minutes for transition, then they were off again. Adidas TERREX were first to arrive at Conwy at 11.30 for the next section of the race.
SleepMonsters
