Updates from The Mountain Zone Cybercast

Mountain bike transport from hell! (photo: Chris Vile)

The logistics behind today's Eco-Challenge start are mind blowing. This is the first time that teams are allowed no outside support for the race so it means that all equipment must be organized and packed to be left at pre designated staging points throughout the race.

The day began today for most teams at 5am as they assembled a huge mass of gear to be trucked to the various transition points on course. After the course was announced yesterday team members learned they had to carry all gear including climbing equipment and even life vests on the 95km trek across the Australian outback. This meant last minute repacking, and for Geoff Hunt of team Endeavour, it actually meant having to go out and purchase a larger pack.

Michelle Blaine, Team Houston. (photo: Chris Vile)

Pre race we caught up with Michelle Blaine, captain of Team Houston.
Michelle has gained a great reputation from previous Eco-Challenge events as the women who not only wears lipstick, but keeps it freshly applied throughout the whole event. This event is to be no different, and she proudly wears her "lippy" on a cord around her neck for easy access. As yet Michelle does not have a cosmetic sponsor but we are sure those super models better watch out. We will track Michelle around the course and see if she looks as good a few days from now.

-- Chris Vile, Mountain Zone Kiwi Correspondent