Team NZ Women trekking out of camp II [click for bio]

Our mad media race to Marrakech late last night was a little premature as the insane pace of the lead teams has eased off a little over night.

The last leg to the finish line is a killer 180km mountain bike.

Team Cepos member Nerea Urruzola appears to have rebounded from the effects of altitude sickness and they are powering to the finish line outside the Medina Walls of Marrakech.

"Team Cepos member Nerea Urruzola appears to have rebounded from the effects of altitude sickness and they are powering to the finish line outside the Medina Walls of Marrakech..."

Not far behind are Team Aussie and Team Adventure One. They were only minutes apart as they passed PC point 26 this afternoon. Also in this lead pack is team New Zealand, Team Argentina, Team Mexico, Team Porelle, and Team Epinephrine.

Current estimates put the winners arriving around 2am so the call is party mode until then... Uh Oh.

Also today, was more carnage caused by the altitude.

Team Canada and Team Big Sky were evacuated from the course due to altitude sickness. Other Evacuations today included the rescue of a Team Foreign Legion Member who sustained a leg injury from a wild horse in the riding leg. Team Quebec called for assistance on their emergency radio but at this point we are not sure the reason.

So the end is in sight for those top teams after surviving the 480km and 9 disciplines here in Morocco.

— Chris Vile, Mountain Zone Correspondent

Marrakech, Morocco— Monday, Oct. 12, 1998 12:50 am

Altitude Sickness a Real Danger

We have just arrived back in Marrakech, a six hour drive from camp 2, in an effort to leapfrog ahead of the leading teams. Both Team Cepos and Team Vail are moving faster than all predictions and have even caught the organizers rushing to erect the finish area.

Today saw many teams enduring the massive climb up to 3,500m and facing the very real threat of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness has become a very real issue that could effect the current race leaders.

"At this rate, tomorrow's mountain bike leg of 180kms back to Marrakech will decide the race..."

Team Cepos Spain, unstoppable till now, made an emergency radio call at 7:30pm to seek advice on altitude sickness. Team member Nerea Martinez Urruzola was beginning to show all the signs of illness and was instructed by medical staff to take the emergency medication that all teams carry.

This is the only scenario under which teams will not be penalized for calling in assistance.

Team Vail is right on the tail of Team Cepos so the last leg on course will be very interesting.

Altitude played havoc with several other teams today resulting in several evacuations.

	The scenery

Team Idaho member Patrick Harper was picked up by helicopter suffering from both altitude sickness and severe dehydration.

New Zealand's Team Wild South Adventure suffered the same fate and Captain Murray Thomas has been airlifted off the mountain.

At this rate, tomorrow's mountain bike leg of 180kms back to Marrakech will decide the race. We have made a bee line straight here to catch the winners sometime after noon tomorrow.

— Chris Vile, Mountain Zone Correspondent

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