GODzone Adventure - Chapter 4
Seagate Win Godzone Again
Rob Howard / 03.03.2015
Seagate have won Godzone Chapter 4 to remain unbeaten in the race. They’ve written the book on this race and it’s another happy ending, though with Nathan Fa’avae commenting after the finish that he “can’t keep up with those guys much longer” you have to wonder if his part in the story will continue.
The team paddled onto the beach at Wanaka on a gloriously sunny afternoon to a cheer and a round of applause from a large crowd waiting for them, and took their time getting ready to cross the line – there was no rush. Among those watching I heard a couple of comments along the lines of, “they’re supermen aren’t they?” and the word “awesome” as well, used in its proper sense on this occasion.
It was just a short walk across the road and past the rugby pitch to reach the finish line and as has now become traditional the team jumped up on the line to celebrate. They looked relaxed and happy and knew most of those on the line one way or another, as marshals, supporters or competitors who had retired from the race. There was even a tray of hot Marlow pies waiting for them!
In the sunshine everyone stood around chatting and Nathan Fa’avae said, “That was the toughest Godzone for sure, and the weather didn’t help, but I’m not sure it would have been any easier in hot weather either!"
“For me the Garvie trek was the hardest as I was hit by a cold and was hanging in there, but the Albert Burn Trek was out there as well. The course was good in that it did allow us time off our feet with the paddling stages between the treks so our feet are not too bad."
“Our worst moment was probably crossing the river at the start of the Albert Burn trek. The race had set up a crossing for us, but we got confused and crossed back over the river again! So we had to go back again later and I never made it across so we were walking upstream some way with me on one side and the team on the other. It was a while before I could get to them."
“Chris’s knee was a worry too – he’s so important to the team, but he hung in there and usually gets better towards the end of the race.”
Forne said, “It wasn’t too bad, though I was worried at first. It helped to have a sleep after the trek and was manageable after that.” Speaking about the orienteering he said. ”It was good but a bit of a shame it came after the trek so we were going really slowly – there was nothing high speed and its probably the longest I’ve ever spent on a short O course!”
After a short break during which Fa’avae found a cup of instant coffee and borrowed a phone to ring his wife (he said he has half an hour or he’s in trouble), it was time for the presentation, with prizes of equipment from Kathmandu, including some put up beds. There were large bottles of Moa beer too so the two should go together nicely!
In his speech Fa’avae thanked the organisers for putting on a good race. “They always listen to racers and make changes,” he said, “and we know it will all run smoothly with checkpoints and gear boxes in the right place. They’ve done a great job bringing expedition racing back to New Zealand.”
He added, “We were sorry to hear about Swordfox pulling out. We were hoping for a kiwi one, two, three to show the international teams it’s not so easy to come here!”
The team have now gone to clean up and rest, and will back in international competition at another AR World Series race, the Raid Gallaecia in May, where Albert Roca will replace Chris Forne.
You can follow the rest live at http://godzoneadventure.com/
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