Strategy, strategy

Last night was all about strategy. Considering the fact that there was a dark zone from 7pm on the packraft leg of Mât’s river, the top teams are trying the impossible challenge of going down the river which has it sources in the Piton des neiges and runs through the Northen part of the island. Teams have improved greatly that night. Some of them took a few hours rest at the swimming pool of Cilaos (CP4) while others preferred to sleep at the gîte of Caverne Dufour. The Russian team Red Fox Adventure (62), the Swedes from Haglöfs Silva (6) and Swedish Armed Forces Adventure (5), and the current world champions Avaya (1) had the opportunity to take up such challenge. Upon their arrival at the refuge, they have been able to establish themselves once all the tourists have gone.

It remains to be seen if the racers will manage “from down the Piton des neiges to AT1, the track of Bras des Lianes ahead is not without difficulties. Teams are getting tired, their feet are hurting and the team are now reaching their cruising speed and now fit with the time prognostic.”, said Pascal Bahuaud, race director. Nathan Fa’avae from New Zealand bumped his knee on a rock, his team partner Chris Forne has now two bags: his and Nathan’s with all climbing equipment they will need in les Aigrettes.

Regarding mid and end-race are gaining ground in the race. Teams who arrived at the swimming pool of Cilaos (CP4) took some time to sleep, according to what the organization had projected. Others remain in the scheduled time.

Remarks:

• Team FMR (7): 2h penalty at CP4 for defective material (strobe light).  
• Withdrawn of Team (19), Transdev, team captain Jorge Llano because of severe muscle pain. They now continue out ranking.