Insider's View
Hobart Urban Challenge
Walk/Run = 4.5km
MTB = 22km
Abseil = Wrest Point Casino
Walk/Run = 3km
Breakfast and news from Mark that he had in fact broken his leg, but he sent his encouragement that the race still must go on and that all should enjoy their finals day racing in Hobart.
This morning was a surprise for competitors as we dropped them off to the boat in Port Arthur - they were to take the more scenic route and ferry it over to Hobart whilst we took the buses on a 100km road journey. As we arrived at the dock at Wrest Point Casino, race organisers realised that with the current weather conditions, maybe this was not the best idea. Cold, wet athletes stood around with no way to get warm, other than jump in the buses with the heater of full strength - but not before they all listened to the morning race briefing about what to expect for the day.
The drive up to the top of Mt Wellington was mostly in the fog and as athletes got changed into their gear in the buses, it was the quickest mass start of the race due to the strong winds. Running down the hill to the Springs BBQ area and a quick transition to the mountain bike. One of my team was showing signs of dehydration so he took the bus with me back to Wrest Point Casino for transition number 2. Riders came through and followed my wonderful arm swinging directions as I told them which way to go. Standing on the traffic island at the front of Wrest Point Casino, I had a fantastic view as competitors raced up the stairs to the top of the building, hooked themselves into a rope, then abseiled down the side of the building. A great sight to see. Once each person had done this, it was only a few kilometers run to the finish line in Salamanca Place.
As my duties of traffic director still were required, I was unable to get to Salamanca Place to see many of the teams cross the final finish line. I was still at the Casino when the first team actually returned after running back to the casino to get changed (obviously they hadn't done enough exercise over the past 5 days)! Luckily, my traffic island duties were no longer needed and I was able to drive to Salamanca to see two of my teams cross the finish line in style.
That night, the Gala Dinner was held on Hobart wharf and competitors, volunteers, supporters, and all others involved in the Mark Webber 2008 Challenge celebrated in style as they looked back and congratulated themselves on what they had achieved over the past 5 days.
And the winners were:
2theXtreme Cup (teams of 2 professional) = 1st Red bull
Van Diemen Cup (teams of 2 corporate) = 1st Telstra
Ambassadors Cup (3 day race) = Datacom
Highlights of Climbing into this Adventure:
Hobart Urban ChallengeWalk/Run = 4.5km
MTB = 22km
Abseil = Wrest Point Casino
Walk/Run = 3km
Breakfast and news from Mark that he had in fact broken his leg, but he sent his encouragement that the race still must go on and that all should enjoy their finals day racing in Hobart.
This morning was a surprise for competitors as we dropped them off to the boat in Port Arthur - they were to take the more scenic route and ferry it over to Hobart whilst we took the buses on a 100km road journey. As we arrived at the dock at Wrest Point Casino, race organisers realised that with the current weather conditions, maybe this was not the best idea. Cold, wet athletes stood around with no way to get warm, other than jump in the buses with the heater of full strength - but not before they all listened to the morning race briefing about what to expect for the day.
The drive up to the top of Mt Wellington was mostly in the fog and as athletes got changed into their gear in the buses, it was the quickest mass start of the race due to the strong winds. Running down the hill to the Springs BBQ area and a quick transition to the mountain bike. One of my team was showing signs of dehydration so he took the bus with me back to Wrest Point Casino for transition number 2. Riders came through and followed my wonderful arm swinging directions as I told them which way to go. Standing on the traffic island at the front of Wrest Point Casino, I had a fantastic view as competitors raced up the stairs to the top of the building, hooked themselves into a rope, then abseiled down the side of the building. A great sight to see. Once each person had done this, it was only a few kilometers run to the finish line in Salamanca Place.
As my duties of traffic director still were required, I was unable to get to Salamanca Place to see many of the teams cross the final finish line. I was still at the Casino when the first team actually returned after running back to the casino to get changed (obviously they hadn't done enough exercise over the past 5 days)! Luckily, my traffic island duties were no longer needed and I was able to drive to Salamanca to see two of my teams cross the finish line in style.That night, the Gala Dinner was held on Hobart wharf and competitors, volunteers, supporters, and all others involved in the Mark Webber 2008 Challenge celebrated in style as they looked back and congratulated themselves on what they had achieved over the past 5 days.
And the winners were:
2theXtreme Cup (teams of 2 professional) = 1st Red bull
Van Diemen Cup (teams of 2 corporate) = 1st Telstra
Ambassadors Cup (3 day race) = Datacom
Highlights of Climbing into this Adventure:
- being surrounded by inspirational athletes who push their bodies to their limits and achieve amazing things
- spending 6 days traveling in Tasmania, seeing some of the most amazing scenery
- being part of a wonderful charitable event and assisting Mark Webber and his team raise money for Leukaemia Foundation and Save the Tassie Devil Appeal
