Abu Dhabi, Dec 5th, 2009 - After a restorative night spent bivouacking on an island north of Abu Dhabi city, the teams set off early this morning for the long paddle back to Corniche Beach.
Last night, at around 20:00, the last teams to reach the island bivouac had to contend with the ebbing tide and surging currents as well as the accumulated fatigue of the day’s paddling. But, after a good night’s sleep, all were ready to embark again at 6h30, though some took the prudent decision to leave the optional CP, and the extra 25km paddling needed to reach it in the mangroves, to the more accomplished and powerful paddlers. Among those opting to take the shorter, 55km route and suffer the 6-hour penalty were ABU DHABI TRIATHLON (GER) and one of the ADTA award winners CHECKPOINT ZERO (USA).
Despite the circuitous channels, the leading teams of QASR AL SARAB (NZ), ADCO (NZ), VIBRAM LAFUMA (FRA) and ADSC/WILSA (FRA) ploughed through shallow waters at roughly 10k/h, while the chasing pack could only manage half that speed. QASR AL SARAB (NZ) was the first into Corniche Beach at 11h43, followed 4 minutes later by compatriots ADCO (NZ). “It was tougher than we expected but so were we – I’m surprised at how fast we finished,” exclaimed Richard USSHER. Fleur PAWSEY (ADCO) admitted that her team, remarkable paddlers all, was very anxious to put some distance between themselves and VIBRAM SPORT 200 LAFUMA (FRA): “Kayaking is our strongest skill and we know the French are very handy when it comes to running…”
Once all the teams are in, a special bus will transfer them to Liwa Dune on the edge of the “Empty Quarter”, where, tomorrow at 7 o’clock in the morning, they will begin the 120km desert trekking stage spread over almost 2 days.
Live race coverage and information at www.abudhabi-adventure.com
TOP 5 after section C (sea kayak 50km)
1 QASR AL SARAB (NZ) 10h45 :03
2 ADCO (NZ) 11h11 : 07
3 VIBRAM SPORT 2000 (FRA) 11h24 : 07
5 LUNDHAGS ADVENTURE (SWE) 11h24 :58
4 BUFF THERMOCOOL (ES) 6h07 :24
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