Posted: November 15, 2004

Adventure Racing: Governor-General Officially Starts 2004 Southern Traverse

November 15 2004: The Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright sounded the hooter in the streets of Hokitika at 9.00am to officially set the 2004 Southern Traverse on its way.

Fine weather greeted the athletes for the start of the 430 km gruelling West Coast race. Twenty six teams are now on the first 56km leg, mountain biking through forest tracks and bush roads to Milltown.

The fastest teams will complete the first stage in five hours then switch to mountain trekking for a 14-20 hour tramp on the Bald and Kelly Ranges. The course takes in a steep climb through untracked bush before heading on to the ridges.

The lead teams are expected to arrive at the third stage by around 4.00am tomorrow (November 16). Another two or three hour mountain bike section will take competitors to Lake Haupiri for the first paddling section on the lake, leading into the Haupiri, Aharua and Grey Rivers.

A large crowd, including many school children gathered in Hokitika to watch the teams start the event. Children waved flags and banners backing their team favourites.

Local West Coast teams, Katmandu and Greymouth Seaside Top 10 Holiday Park, received a resounding send off from the crowd.

Dame Silvia said the Southern Traverse takes courage, commitment and skill as well as the ability to work as a team.

"I wish you luck and hope you all return safely."

The 2004 Southern Traverse is sponsored by the West Coast Development Trust and race director Geoff Hunt says the opportunity to race on the West Coast of the Southern Alps is a particularly exciting one for athletes from all round the world.

"This is wilderness racing at its best and will definitely challenge even the most experienced Southern Traverse competitors."

For the latest information on the race, progress reports on the teams, with hourly updates, visit www.southerntraverse.com. Also check out our web partner's site www.sleepmonsters.com.

Southern Traverse is a premier international sports event management company operating elite events around the world, including the World Championship Adventure Race, the AR World Series and the Southern Traverse.