31 October, 2011

Kiwis expected on top

A New Zealand team or team member have a good chance of making the podium at the Adventucre Racing World Championships which gets underway on Wednesday morning in Burnie in Tasmania. Top team Seagate from New Zealand had qualified for the Championships and entered only three weeks ago.

Endurance athletes will face a tough but unique course which will cover 700 km of the north western region of Tasmania starting and finishing in Burnie.
This week’s event is the first world championship for the Macpac Girls on Top which includes Debbie Chambers, Ally Davey, Anne Lowerson and one male member, Craig Stephens.

The team has competed since 2005 in various endurance events but this event marks their biggest challenge.

“We don’t expect to win,” said Chambers, “but we do want to finish. So far we have been able to do that so we don’t want to keep our record.”

The course is a closely guarded secret with maps and details being revealed on Tuesday morning just 24 hours before the gun goes off. All teams will spend the ensuing 24 hours, navigating routes, packing for the various legs which should include kayaking, mountain biking and trekking. This event has also been
noted down for roping also.

Despite two of their four members stuck in Sydney due to the Qantas stoppage reigning world championships, Spanish Buff Thermocool will be the team to beat. The two Spanish members are expected to arrive in Launceston this morning.

According to race director, Craig Bycroft the remote terrain will be the deciding factor in how the teams progress over the 10 day event.
The weather is not expected to play a part unless weather conditions change.
The winning teams are expected to arrive in Burnie after five days.

ENDS