Day # 6 - Last Chance for Gold

Starting today we were in 2^nd place for the team event, sitting one point behind Alex and Berit, the very strong German team.  We had one event left and realized that if we can both win our divisions (or both beat the Germans) then we have a good chance at winning the Fulda Challenge.

Chantal has already locked up the women’s title.

The 2012 Fulda Challenge Women's Champion

I’m fighting with Martin the Austrian for 3^rd in the men’s.  

Canada vs. Austria 

Angelo Brack and Alex Lang are in a battle for first place, which will make this last day very exciting. 

In the morning we woke up and got prepared for the 5 hour drive back to Whitehorse, where we would do the canyon crossing at Miles Canyon.  We didn’t have much information about the width of the crossing, so there was a lot of nervous guessing in the car drive down.

Our good friends the Swiss (Angelo and Jelena) managed to break their car in Whitehorse a couple of days ago, so they were our companions on the way down.  

Angelo & Jelena - Team Switzerland

Defrosting a car the Yukon Way 

We had some good natured banter, which has become the norm since we met everyone.  If nothing else comes of this competition we are at the very least going to make some very good friends.  Everyone is hyper competitive, but at the same time we are all in this crazy adventure together.  Really cool experience.

We stopped a couple of times on the way down for fuel and food, and each time asked the locals how far across the canyon is.  We had a variety of answers from 60 to about 100 metres across.  We didn’t think that was possible, but upon arrival it was confirmed that the canyon was a good 65-70 metres!!

Miles Canyon

The bridge we would not be using to cross Miles Canyon

Media getting ready for the canyon crossing

The rope was strung from one side to the other and predictably had a slight ‘bow’ in it.  The last 10 metres would be the toughest, as they would be up an incline. 

Event briefing

Arrival of Team Canada (Ryan #13, Chantal #14)

After my laughable performances in the endurance events, I was hoping this event would work out more in my favour.  

Ryan being strapped into his harness

Angelo went first for the men and I was second.  It was nice to see the technique once before going, and I was able to make it across in a pretty speedy time.  I was almost twice as quick as the next fastest man, finishing first with a minute and half, so I had secured ½ of our goal of winning both sides.

Ryan for the win

Our strategy for Chantal was to just get across.  

Talking strategy with Chantal

We figured that if she made it across without falling (which would have resulted in 0 points awarded), we would have a good chance at winning the team event.  Chantal was 2^nd for the women and made a valiant effort to get across in just under 4 minutes.  

Chantal crossing the canyon

Ryan cheering Chantal on as she crosses the Canyon

We now had to wait for the German team to go last in a very climatic finish.  Berit Diel went last and was urged on by her teammate Alex. 

Team Germany trying to overtake 1st place

She was very close to beating the time of Chantal, but had to settle for second with a time of just over 4 minutes…which means that Chantal won the ladies. With our scores combined it was evident that TEAM CANADA HAD WON THE FULDA CHALLENGE!!!!

Chantal being interviewed after winning the Women's division

The points were not tallied at the canyon, as everyone was keen on getting over to the hotel, cleaning up (hot showers!!!) and getting ready for the festivities.  We had to wait for the official verdict at the banquet being held tonight.

Team Canada after conquering Miles Canyon

The rest of the night went by in much of a blur (for a couple of reasons…), but they eventually handed out the awards;

2012 Fulda Challenge Champions - Team Canada

1st Place Women's Division - Chantal Mackenzie (Team Canada)

1st Place Men's Division - Angelo Brack (Team Switzerland)

3rd Place Men's Division - Ryan Smith (Team Canada)

We accepted the gold nuggets they award to the winners, which are pretty cool little (and I mean little) trophies.

The rest of the night was spent enjoying everyone’s company and celebrating with a couple of well-deserved drinks.  We proved to the Europeans that Canadians can’t dance, can’t sing, but we sure can party!!!  The game “Buffalo” has been introduced to Austrian culture and the Shotgun technique was widely discussed…

Buffalo in full effect

Showing the wold how Canadians dance

It will be a little sad leaving tomorrow morning as this has been an adventure of a life time.  We’ll have a ton of stories which we haven’t relayed through this blog, but which will stick with us forever.

Big thanks to all of the people at Kia Canada, Fulda, Rugby Canada and the Territory of the Yukon for making this all possible.  We are looking forward to watching the tv production that Bradford Productions does for release in late March early April.  Everyone can laugh along with us as we relive the best (and worst!) moments of the trip.

Ryan and Chantal