by

The newest premier multisport race - a classic Man vs Mountain event, took place on 17 April in the Baw Baw region of Victoria, Australia.

Solos, pairs and relay teams embraced an epic 84 km challenge, consisting of 4 legs - 5 km run, 14 km downriver paddle, 40 km mtb leg and 25 km trail run leg. The course took participants on an epic adventure they will never forget.

It launched at the historical gold mining town of Walhalla and finished at the magical alpine Baw Baw Plateau, in the heart of the Mt Baw Baw alpine resort, with the thrilling rapids of Thomson river and exciting trails of Erica Mtb Park in between.

The racers were tested by gruelling elevation, sub-zero temperatures, grade 1 - 2 rapids and slippery, muddy and rocky trails. Only the toughest managed to conquer the mountain and make it to the finish line.

Participants were offered 2 courses: A premier one day challenge, and a more sensible 2 day option with an overnight stop in the middle. 

bike

Setting a gold standard, and the first time it has been introduced in Australian multisport events, Live Tracking not only allowed more efficient safety management, but also created an exciting buzz in transition areas and for those following online.

In the Premier men’s field, Luke Haines took a lead at the start of the mountain bike leg and maintained it to the finish line. The only person able to catch up to him was famous adventure racer and Australian MTB champion, Josh Street, who raced in the relay team Verandah Ninjas.

Coming in second was Albury’s Josh Roy, gaining his way up to the podium during the last 25 km running section, with Warren Proctor finishing third.

The women’s field was robustly dominated by Elizabeth Dornom, another renowned Australian adventure racer. Coming in second was Narelle Croize, with Courtney Ellis finishing third.

jen

The winner, Geelong based Luke Haines states:

“On paper, the first edition of the Baw Baw Extreme looked to be a solid multisport experience for seasoned competitors and a great challenge for new ones. It turned out to be an epic multisport event for everyone and worthy of the ‘Extreme’ tagline. Serge promised a tough course, and he delivered in spades with the final 25km trek to Mt Baw Baw. From a fast opening 5km, to a bumpy paddle and MTB that had everything from climbs, fast descents and a cool single track, the queen leg was the final trek. Steep grades, snow, mud and plenty of water to go along with rather chilly temperatures at altitude. A true multi-sport test, and one I am happy to be a part of and proud to have put together a solid performance despite carrying a leg injury sustained 3 weeks earlier. See you all again next year!”mt baw baw views

The female winner, Australian National adventure racing series champion Elizabeth Dornom said:

“Great race weather conditions set the scene for the very spectacular, yet tough course certainly living up to the name Baw Baw ‘Extreme’. Each leg had something different and, as with any challenging course, left you wishing the finish was just that little bit closer. The tough climb up to Mt Baw Baw on the final run leg was worth it for the pockets of snow and amazing trails and views from the top.  Fantastic camaraderie from other competitors, superb assistance from support crew, lots of helpful volunteers and a very well organised event.  I would definitely put this one on my to do list again.”

The race was supported by Baw Baw shire, Destination Gippsland and Mt Baw Baw resort and would not have been possible without their assistance.

elizabeth

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Comments

  • No comments found