World Multi-Sport Champion Richard Ussher proved his mettle as the Tropical Power Coast 2 Coast 2006 came to its exciting close. Crossing the Finish Line at Williams Bay, Chaguaramas on Sunday after a rigourous paddle through the First Boca and around Trindad’s famed Five Islands, Ussher completed the 2-day course in just over 11 hours.
Stage 3 of the two-day event began at first light on Sunday morning with a 58 km ride to Diego Martin’s North Post, followed by an 8 km run to Macqueripe, but the final stage of the course was tougher than usual because of the inclement weather. Choppy seas and large swells made the 30 km paddle to Williams Bay so challenging that five athletes opted to drop out of the race. Last year’s Coast 2 Coast winner, Jason Gooding, said that with the heavy rains, visibility on some parts of the kayak leg was so poor that he could see no more than 15 meters in front of him. That’s part of the allure of Multi-Sport racing – anything can happen – and usually does!
The event was very well supported – competitors and spectators alike were complementary about the course and race organization, with Richard Ussher calling the experience “fantastic” and encouraging Trinbagonians to preserve the natural environment, which he says is the biggest draw for foreign visitors. Athletes were all smiles as they crossed the Finish Line – and they should be – from Toco to Chag without an engine is a feat to be proud of!
Photo courtesy James O’Connor/Caribbean Stock Photography:
www.caribbeanstockphotography.com