![]() ![]() We know ITERA and there is nothing given or easy, so you have to respect the course and play to your strengths.”Īll of the teams finished at the picture-perfect Duart Castle (a movie set favourite). That took the pressure off and meant we might not be forced into dropping more expensive options later on. “We like to think we know our limitations and abilities, so we missed two CP’s on Mull, with only a couple of hours penalty. ITERA courses give teams lots of options, so they can race as much of the course as they can, and this keeps the teams together and gives everyone the best chance to finish.Ĭliff White of Team Strong Machine (USA) explained why his team chose to short course early in the race. On the opening, night time, mountain trek across Mull the leaders collected all the checkpoints, but many others chose to miss optional checkpoints and put themselves onto a short course early in the race. ![]() Craig Tweedie of UK Adventurers said they’d seen dozens of dolphins, “leaping around, under and over the boat.” Team Racing Denmark saw a Pilot Whale, and both these teams were among the leaders, tailing SWECO of Sweden, who were the strongest paddlers. There was another island checkpoint to visit before landing on the coast of Mull and teams saw seals, dolphins and whales. The cave is known for its acoustics, but most teams were so in awe of their surroundings they were quiet while inside. It was a spectacular first stop for the race and a unique experience for the racers. The cliffs they ran beneath were formed from the same towering hexagonal columns and so was the interior of the huge sea cave. To get there, they ran across the black basalt columns which form one side of the island and create uneven, natural stepping stones, all perfectly hexagonal and interlinked. ![]() Not for the ITERA racers! For them it was just the start of their adventure, and after a short run around the island they launched their kayaks from a sandy beach to paddle to the uninhabited island of Staffa in perfect conditions.Īfter landing below the island’s cliffs, the teams headed for a checkpoint on the small summit, giving them a panoramic view of the surrounding coast and islands, and to a second inside the famous Fingal’s Cave. Iona is known for its ancient abbey and as a remote religious retreat, and for pilgrims it is journey’s end. The race began with two ferry trips and an island crossing, and that was just to get teams to the start! This was on the small island of Iona, which can only be reached by ferry, after crossing the much bigger Isle of Mull. It would take them to distant islands, famous places, and to the highest point in the UK by a spectacular route. After a day of preparations, course planner Tom Gibbs stood in front of a huge course map and described his 550km route to the excited and nervous teams. Race HQ was in Oban, a busy west coast harbour, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles, and 32 teams arrived there from all over the UK, Ireland, the USA and Europe. Race organisers Open Adventure delivered an ambitious course, through unforgettable scenery, visiting iconic landmarks, and taking teams to remote places, which few people ever get to experience. ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The ITERA 2022 Expedition Adventure Race, the last ARWS Qualifier of 2022, was staged in the majestic wilderness of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The ITERA 2022 Expedition Adventure Race, the last ARWS Qualifier of 2022, was staged in the majestic wilderness of the Scottish Highlands and Islands ![]()
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