else on Earth. Amongst the serene landscape teams were
challenged by the first test of the Trophy; a trials course
that saw riders cross and re-cross a rocky stream and
then up the steep embankment. A four-minute time limit
added to the pressure.
Once completed the riders made their way to the im-
pressive Mokau waterfall at Lake Waikaremoana for the
second challenge. Riders were ‘blindfolded’ and guided
by teammates using a Sena Bluetooth intercom. While
challenging it was an early way of building trust amongst
teammates.
“The Sena Challenge revealed that we have a language
barrier in our team,” laughed Nikki van der Spek of the
International Female Team 1. “We are Dutch, French and
Colombian … we’ll have to work on that.”
At the end of the day the South Korean team led by 12
points over Italy and the USA.
Under an intense sun and guided by an azure blue
sea the riders started day 2 following the Pacific coast to
Cape Kidnappers, so named for the abduction of Captain
Cook’s cabin boy from the ship Endeavour in 1769 by
Maori warriors.
The teams were involved in their own abduction as
they were forced to drag or push their bikes through a
deep gravel pit in the days first challenge.
TRAVERSE 10