ITERA - Presented by Open Adventure
ITERA 2014 Closes – 2016 Will Be in Ireland
Rob Howard / 16.08.2014
With all the teams safely back in Cardiff ITERA 2014 comes to a close at the race buffet and prize giving today.
Into the final morning the last teams had crossed the finish line which was quickly dismantled by the race staff, who are still working harder than ever to clear the course and equipment and assist the teams.
They too have been clearing up, packing and preparing to leave. Luckily it’s been a dry morning in Cardiff, so they’ve been able to spread out around the Metropolitan University campus on the lawns, the steps, the car park and in the main hall where all the gear was put.
Remarkably all the teams recorded a finish in the race, though some were non-competitive for various different reasons, but they too still completed as much of the course as they could and got to the finish. This group included the only all-male team, Sport Aventure of France, who have been cheerful throughout and had a great time in Wales.
Among the Short Course teams it’s been a very competitive race where teams have had to be strategic and race to their own strengths (always a good idea anyway). Only after they’ve finished did teams have any idea of their ranking, and for most that was an afterthought anyway.
Some of the visiting international were among the last to finish this morning, with Issy Aventure last over the line just before the course closure deadline to finish 15th.. Among the other teams who made the maximum use of their time on the course were Czech AR (10th) and Gallaecia Fridama of Spain (13th).
The teams at the top of the short course list are 7th-10th. These teams were all trying (and perhaps expecting) to clear the course and hopefully they will be positive about finishing in the top 10 of a World Series race, rather than thinking about those missed checkpoints and what might have been.
The top 6 are the Full Course teams who have everyone’s admiration and respect of course, especially the winner adidas TERREX who were racing at a level all of their own and were comfortable winners.
After the food and presentations the race will rapidly disband, everyone going their separate ways after a week of shared adventures and emotions in Wales. Many will be back to explore this amazing country at their leisure I am sure.
And hopefully they will be back in 2 years time for the next ITERA – which it’s already been announced will be held in Ireland.
SleepMonsters
