Bull of Africa first into CP2 with Blackheart hot on their heels.

The Bull of Africa came into transition looking fresh after a great first trek leg.
“The course was amazing with beautiful scenery, we went pretty easy on the downhills as I am sure that the legs will start hurting on the mountain bike leg”.
After a quick 15 minute transitions they were off on the bikes and out of transition.

Blackheart.com.au arrived in 20 minutes behind after the huge descent, and their other team Blackheart/Salomon were just seconds behind. “My legs are feeling good, it was a bit cool up the top but it is much warmer in the valley floor” said Preston, from Blackheart.

Tangerine who were in second place before the descent have dropped to fourth but came in looking strong. With their strong navigation skills they should easily stay with the lead pack.

4TC came into transition after their hike but had had some issues with the navigation at the Gallery - "We knew that the checkpoint was up in the rocks but we circled them a few times trying to find the track to get up. With the dark zones it is a little like a stage race, with the first dark zone, then the mid camp stop and then maybe another stop. We may have a little bit of sleep tonight but only if we need to – we will just wait and see."

By 2000hrs about a third of the teams had passed through CP2 and were out on the second leg.

Team Outdoor Australia transitioned at 2005 with no navigation issues and were busy reapplying foot (and other) cream in preparation for the bike leg. Bags were being unpacked and packed, and packets of pasta were quickly consumed. They collected all of the checkpoints in alphabetical order (ABCDE) and were hoping to get through the next bike leg in about 6 hours.

Team Expedition 36 degrease south arrived after the leg a little later than hoped after having to flag down a friendly physio out on course and get some assistance with a sprained ankle that Adam got in the descent. He is fine and continuing out onto the bike leg.

By 2200 only 4 teams were remaining out on leg 1. The rain had definitely eased and teams were settling into their first night of racing.