More Teams Finish ITERA at Killarney

Rob Howard / 21.08.2016

Team SWECO of Sweden were the 2nd team across the finish line of ITERA in Killarney today and they were all smiles, partly accomplishment, partly relief.

“The weather was so bad on the last night,” said Mathias Carling. “ We were trying to keep low and out of the wind, and had to search a long time for the last checkpoint. We had some short course teams with us and they were all following us to find it. When we stopped they stopped. But we couldn’t! It took us a while but we got it eventually.” 

There was no way they were going to give up on that checkpoint after missing a late checkpoint at ITERA Wales 2 years ago. This race was unfinished business for them and their second place is a popular result.

As with most teams they spoke of the weather, particularly the wind. “At one time on the ride three of us all blew over together.  The wind just hit us and took us into the bushes at the roadside.” Said Ulf Öjebo. “ When we stood up we were holding on to stop the bikes blowing away!  They were flying like kites even with all our bags weighing them down.”

Next to finish were BaceCamp AR, the first short course team over the line and they had the energy to jog up the road, which the full course teams hadn’t been able to do. “Owen Boyhans said, “We missed that first trek over the Maum Turks and took the Western Way and that was the decision that allowed us to get to the end. We were far enough ahead then to get off Loch Corrib and into Galway before the wind became too bad.”

While Basecamp were still celebrating on the finish line the 3rd full course team came in. ADGE Raid Aventure of France were in very high spirits.  “We live in the South of France,” said Paul Galode, “so this is the most race we have ever seen! We don’t really have rain where we live.”

“Our feet are destroyed,” he said. “That was a really challenging race  but it was always in our control I think. We just had to be tough. Maybe next time we would bring some more clothes though!”

Christine Cornez said, “My feet are fine, I am good to go further,” and jogged ahead of the finish to prove it. Then she showed us that under her waterproof and down jacket she was wearing a neoprene paddling top!  “I have worn it the whole race,” she said, “running, riding and paddling – it works perfectly in this weather!”

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