Omnicane Southern
Tropical Challenge
Last year was my introduction to this unique 4 day MTB stage
race on the Island of Mauritius. I was
very pleased when Aurelie Halbwachs invited me again this year to team up with
her for the 4th edition of the Omnicane Southern Tropical Challenge.
Prologue,
5.75km/ +152m ascent
The event started with a 5.75km prologue at Domaine De
Lagrave, situated in the middle of the Island. This region is very mountainous
meaning we were in for some tough, hilly riding.
Aurelie and I had a good start and we pushed hard for the
first 3km on flat jeep track through some plantations. Just before the first
long hill, Aurelie fell hard as we descended a concrete downhill jeep track
section. She went over the handlebar, landing hard on her back, bending her
front wheel and flattening her front tyre in the process.
We managed to get her bike in a ride-able state and carried
on riding to the finish. I could see Aurelie was in a lot of pain, but she bravely
fought on and we were both very relieved to make it across the finish line.
Despite the setback we still managed to take the red ladies leader’s jersey going
into stage 1
Stage 1, 65km/ 1100m
Ascent
The stage start and finish was at Domaine De Lagrave as the
circular route took us into the surrounding mountains of the Midlands district.
We didn’t know how Aurelie’s back would feel after her crash the previous day
and therefore decided to start easier and hopefully finish strong. Our strategy worked out better than expected
as we both felt great and finished in the top ten teams on the day and
extending our lead in the ladies competition. I’m sure the fact that we both
enjoyed the route and spectacular scenery contributed to our good result on the
stage.
Stage
2, 75km/ 1600m Ascent
On day 3 we said good bye to our tented accommodation for
the last 2 nights at Domaine De Lagrave as we headed towards our new camp site
at Bois Cheri. This day proved to be the most challenging as it was the
longest, the hilliest and the bumpiest of all stages.
Still, riding on a Tropical Island one can be sure to find
some motivation along the way and mine flourished every time we dove into
forested single track. The stage was by no means easy and I was exhausted as we
crossed the finish line after 4h30min in the saddle.
Our new campsite soon revived my spirit as it was situated
high in the mountains surrounded by tea plantations. Bois Cheri is very well
known for their tea and we got to sample several flavours of the brew over
afternoon tea and pancakes.
Stage
3, 51km/ 500m Ascent
The last stage took
us from the heights of Bois Cheri through a crocodile farm and along the coast
to finish fittingly on the beach at Point d’Esny.
Although it sounds easy, experience has taught me there is
no such thing as an easy stage. The route had two very difficult river
crossings which required climbing down and out of very steep and rocky ravines. Upon reaching the home stretch on the beach
all the pain was forgotten as Aurelie and I managed to regain our title at the
Southern Tropical Challenge.
As always I really enjoyed racing with Aurelie. She is a
great team player and it can make all the difference to the enjoyment of a race
and the result attained at the end.
Also, well done to Yannick Lincoln and his team for putting together
a well organised event. It is great to see the race improving so much in all
facets during the four years of its existence.
