Friday, October 26, 2007 Carrera leader loses spot to Davao Eagles
CARELESSNESS caused early pacesetter Cuernos de Negros the all-important lead in the 2007 Carrera Habagat Siargao-Bucas Grande Traverse yesterday.
As the race shifted to Siargao Island going into the penultimate day, a new team gets on the driver’s seat of the rough four-day race.
Yesterday, after two days of tailing Cuernos de Negros, the Davao Eagles finally took over the lead after the Dumaguete City racers squandered what they so painstakingly built for two days.
After leading the way in the first 17 control points (CPs), Cuernos missed a step causing them valuable time.
Upon reaching CP 18 in Siargao, Cuernos found out that they failed to pack their rappelling gear, which was needed for the obstacle challenge in that control point.
“That was the main challenge for that CP and so they had to go back to get their equipment,” said one of the officials, Mel Muaña.
Cuernos had to return to the allowed logistics point, where they had to meet with their support crew.
Muaña said that the team was supposed to pack their gears when they met with their support team earlier, but of all things they forgot to bring, it was the rappelling gear.
Going back took time and they lost the more than two hours worth of lead. While they were on their way back, the Davao Eagles made their move and took over the leadership with just seven CPs left.
CPs 1-10 were distributed all over Surigao, Bucas Grande, while the remaining CPs, including the finish line, are spread around Siargao Island.
Muaña said that two Cebu teams, including the Kalit Plantation and Kalit Pepsi were within the top seven.
The winning team in the race will receive P40,000, while runners up get P20,000 and P10,000 each. (MCB)
