The braided river channels of the Rakaia River proved a challenge for
the lead teams earlier today. Organizers had warned that the river
system was a maze of channels, of which only several led to the next
check point.
In first place, Team Propeller-heads, very experienced in river travel,
took a wrong turn and ended up losing their hold on first place.
The teams left the water to waiting mountain bikes for a 26-km pedal on
gravel roads. Normally not too taxing, a strong wind has turned this leg
into a punishing grind.
| What's worse is the brooding storm on the horizon... |
|  |
Teams Propeller-heads, Science, inthepacific and Cromwell have all reached
transition 4 within minutes of each other. Team Nokia has dropped
several hours back from this bunch after a navigation error on the
river.
These teams have wasted no time changing back to their mountaineering
equipment for what is potentially the worst section of the course.
The section is the longest, the most spectacular, the most technically
demanding of any Traverse to date. With climbing of steep scree faces,
ascending and descending glacial snouts, some flat glacial travel and
long untracked sections that will test the best mountaineering skills.
What's worse is the brooding storm on the horizon that could create real
danger for the less experienced teams tonight.
– Chris Vile, MountainZone.com Correspondent
