Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Media release: High winds stall race...

Al Mirfa – Strong winds blowing along the Arabian Gulf Coast have forced organizers to cancel today’s sea-kayaking section.

Today, the 47 teams still in contention on the 2010 ADAC benefited from an unexpected pause in the proceedings. During the night, as the teams slept at the bivouac on Al Mirfa beach, high winds whipped the sea into a heavy swell to the extent that the long section of sea kayaking between Mirfa and Abu Dhabi, due to start at 06:30 this morning, was canceled for safety reasons.

As a consequence, the teams will be spending an extra day in Al Mirfa, taking advantage of this unexpected break to deal with any minor injuries incurred over the last four days of competition and to replenish depleted energy levels. Some teams, especially those with strong paddlers and hopes of achieving their fastest times on this stage, were visibly frustrated but all agreed the unexpected weather conditions precluded any water-based activities.

The race will resume again at 09:00 tomorrow morning on one of two possible routes available to the organization, the choice of which will depend on prevailing weather conditions. The race then reaches its grand finale when the first teams are expected to cross the finishing line in Abu Dhabi at around 15:00.

Live race coverage and information at http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/

No comments: