24/02/2025
TRUEWEST HAAST 2025 RACE DEBRIEF - 6 hour mixed team
Heading into race week I think all our teams nerves were starting to kick in, but that's all part of racing and expected.
The epic team for this race was Simon , Anel and myself.
Race start was 0930 and first stage was a 10km raft down the Arawhata river. This river is quite a flat river and we were in the raft with another team. Most teams hit the beach within 2 minutes of each other and then a quick run of about 500m into TA1. Having to wear a wetsuit made for a very warm raft and a slowish transition on stage 2 and the mtb.
A quick mtb down to Jackson bay where we dismounted and into a short run of 4km, down the wharf for cp1 and out to Wharekai beach to retrieve cp2. Then back on the bike on stage 4 and back to Ta1 at the Arawhata river mouth.
Now, quick note. At this stage of the race the pace was very fast and we were sitting in 2nd overall. Anel was having some breathing problems and was struggling for air. Some electrolytes now on board and some food and water it was back to the raft to cross the river mouth, where we knew it was our time to make a move. After getting across the river, stage 5 was a 11km run along the coast to Waiatoto river bridge. CP3 was a difficult one and slightly inland next to a lake. After venturing through some thick bush we found it and decided we were approx 500m behind the leaders. We had 2 options for travel along this stage and they were to either follow a power pole track that seemed quite overgrown or travel along the beach which we knew could be quite soft sand and hard on the body.
We chose the beach and after a 500m thick bush run we were on our way north. Looking ahead we could now see 2 teams around 400m in front. Anel was still feeling the pinch, but we kept it positive and moved as fast as the team could. About 4km in, one of the teams in front decided to head inland to the power pole track. Now with what we assumed the lead team in front of us only 50m ahead we regrouped, fueled up and decided to make our move. We had to move now as the next and last stage was a mtb stage and this team was stronger than us on the bikes. (We later found out this teams lady was in the nz triathlon team and also had won the coast to coast longest day female race a few years back)
Time to put some distance on them and hope it's enough to get us over the line before them. Next obstacle was a river swim and 1 more cp on this stage before we got on the bikes. At a guess we thought we had about 1km on them at transition but we were unsure.
Away we went on the last stage. A 26km mtb. As we went down a long straight before a short run to a cp they were no where in site. Cp5 punched and on the way back to the bike we see them on the running trail. Now it's game on.
Back on the bikes we go and it's time to dig deep. Simon D starts cramping and not feeling great, but Anel has now come right. I get a little bit of cramp, but take some salt pills and come right. With approx 8km to go we see them coming and we are traveling at 30km an hour and they go past like we are not even moving.
Simon D hits the wall and it's time to look after each other to get over in 2nd. As we turn off the main road onto the last 5km mtb trail we are going ok. Not great, but still moving. Cp6 we punch and with 2.5km to go it's time to empty the tank. I pedal about 50m after the cp and hear a loud psssssssss in my back wheel. Hoping the sealant reseals it I dig deep, but within 100m I'm riding on the rim. Imagine pedaling in a foot of mud. I manage about 1km on the flat and decide to jump off and run it in the last 1.5km pushing my bike.
We finish 9 minutes behind the lead team and the 3rd team was 11 minutes behind us.
We found out that one of the lead teams members cramped at the last checkpoint.
At prize giving we are expecting 2nd place and all get a bit shocked when we are announced the
🏆OPEN 6 HOUR WINNERS 🏆
The lead team was a veteran team.
We would like to thank our sponsors, ITM Motueka and VDG global. Without Itm Motueka this race would not have been possible for us. Thank you very much to you both.
Big thanks to our support crew of Mike French. LEGEND!!
Last but not least. Well done Anel and Simon D. What's next for us ?????? Let's rest and decide........
