Posted: July 7, 2005

Adventure Racing: Athletes head to the Wakatipu

With pre race entries high, a large field of keen competitors are expected for this year's event which will get underway this Saturday at 12 noon at the Remarkables. Athletes will travel from Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill and Wanaka for the multi sport race of the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival.

Limited cover on the Homeward Bound run will see the ski start determined on the day. The first ski leg will be followed by a 17km mountain bike down the Remarkable's road to Frankton Beach for a 7km paddle into Queenstown.

Competitors are expected to paddle into Queenstown Bay around 1pm. From there its a running race via Horne Creek and the post office before heading out along Gorge Rd to Coronet Alpine Hotel. The final stage is a 9km uphill bike ride to the finish line on the Coronet Peak Brasserie verandah.

The team competition is again expected to be fierce with last year's top three teams all entered.

Team Pulse Fitness will be back in force this year to defend the open teams title against Top Sport Titans and Queenstown Physiotherapy. Strong performances are also expected from local Richard Ussher, along with other multi sporters, Steve Gurney, Sally Fahey, Erin Greene, Bill Godsall, and last year's first individual across the line Eric Billoud.

Entries are available at all good sports stores, sponsor outlets and the Southern Traverse office with registration open on Saturday until 11am at The Remarkables Base building.

The element Peak to Peak is supported by the following sponsors; element, Back on Track Physiotherapy, Ground effect, Queenstown Night 'n Day, Queenstown Gym, Outrigger at the Beacon, Earth-Fit, Summerfield's Frankton Pharmacy, K2 Skis, Smith Eyewear, MoreFM, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Kawarau Jet, Alpine Gold, Leppin, Coronet Brasserie, MacAssist and New Zealand Multisport.

Website: www.southerntraverse.com.