Day # 2 - Competition Starts!

Success!!

Day 1 of the Fulda Challenge has put team Canada in 1st place. Woohoo. We will take this small glory as we don't know how long it will last for.  Cross country race is first thing tomorrow morning.

It was great meeting all the teams this morning. Some great athletes (stiff competition) and everyone is excited to be here. We will definitely be making some new friends.

It was quite the sight this morning when athletes and crew drove the 30 some matching Sportage and Sorento Kia's in convoy to the snowmobile race.

Starting order for the race was drawn and Ryan and I pulled last position... We were pleased. Each team raced together and combined their time totals on the 3-lap course. The track was pretty chewed up by the time we raced, but our Canadian advantage shone through and we took this event going away. Good start.

Second event of the day: Sled pull. Held at the historic Carcross train station, we showed up to see an old wooden sled weighed down with lumber, tools and sandbags. No runners and only a rope for a harness. 

The trail was 50 meters out and 50 meters back with a tight turn around a pylon. The men’s sled weighed 200 kgs and they took 40 kgs off for the ladies.  I drew second for the men and Chantal 1st for the ladies.  

The first 10-15 metres were relatively easy and then the reality set in...This was going to be tough. Once you navigated the tricky corner, the last 35 metres were hell. The lactic acid takes over and you really want to pack it in.  I blew my turn and lost a few seconds there, but Chantal did a great job.

Ryan supporting Chantal to the end

European media interviewing Chantal

I'm pretty sure we finished 2nd in that one and over all 1st on the day.  Its likely the only time we will hold that position, but going to keep our fingers crossed. 

X country ski tomorrow am (uh oh) and then helicopter drop.

Just getting ready for the first night in the tents...shouldn't be too bad. Big 4 walled military style and a wood-burning stove.  Bundle up

Night all

Ryan and Chantal