Updates from The Mountain Zone Cybercast

Would you keep going on these feet?. (photo: Chris Vile)

Germany's former decathlon master, Andreas Heldt of Team Germany was evacuated by Helicopter at first light this morning. Heldt who has been suffering from severe knee pain since the first leg of arduous trekking across lava country, finally pulled the pin last night saying he could go no further as the pain was too severe. Eco-Challenge medical rescue staff reached Heldt at first light and treated him on the scene with morphine for the pain. They also administered treatment for severe blisters to his feet, although Heldt said he hadn't noticed them because his knee had been so bad.

Team Sweden warms up after the rafting. (photo: Chris Vile)

Also forced to withdraw yesterday due to severe knee pain was Team Houston. Team member Bob Talamini (USA) was crippled after his "knees blew up." Team Captain Michelle Blaine, (the woman who intended to wear lipstick throughout the Eco-Challenge) said the team was extremely upset, herself in tears, but would continue on after the compulsory 24hr down period.

While the race leaders charge ahead at the front, the tail end team has been disqualified for not making the cut-off time at the Herbert River Falls. Team Xtreme of the UK did not make the 4pm cut off time for the rappel at check-in point number nine the first of 11 mandatory cut off points. This was their first adventure race.

-- Chris Vile, Mountain Zone Kiwi Correspondent