Update from Keith Mearns

Today saw us move from the beautiful Lake Barrington and head North to Launceston. We had a difficult 32km mountain bike section which took approximately 2 hours. The mountain biking was 3 laps of 9 km course with some challenging up hills and technical down hill sections followed by a 5 km paved section to Launceston Gorge. The highlight of the mountain biking was the opportunity for spectators and sponsors to view the from the comfort of the marquee which was set up adjecent to the course.

Once at the Gorge we had a tourellean road section this involved pulling ourselves across the Launceston Gorge suspended by cables high above the water. After a short sharp run we traversed back across Launceston Gorge on a flying fox, then a quick run down towards the lower end of the Gorge where we climbed back under Launceston bridge. From here we ran back to the top of the Gorge and finished the day with a white water rafting section.

From Launceston we have a 4 hour drive to Port Arthur and a challenging day tomorrow. Team Telstra is in 4th place around 1hour off the lead leading the Van Dieman’s cup by several hours.

Everyone is in good spirits although starting to feel the effects of 3 days of hard racing. We’ve had a few minor scrapes and bruises although nothing to serious.

Cheers, Keith

Update from Mark Comer

Also visit the Mark Webber Challenge site to track the teams progress.

Well day two is done and dusted. Unfortunately it rained all night and was pouring again this morning so we couldn’t do the Mt Rolland. While it is very tough it is spectacular. It would have given us the chance to gain some time back on some of the leaders as trekking is our strength.

The day ended up involving a 25km mountain bike ride including a monstrous 4km climb at the end (just over 1 hour 10mins), after that we ran part of the intended run course - a very steep climb. We ran along some wet tracks) in reverse to get a checkpoint then returned the same way (around 1h hour). The next stage involved a spectacular mountain bike ride mainly down hill and the boys particularly Keith let loose (30mins). The final leg was over a 7km paddle.

In the end we lost a bit of time to team Keen, Red Bull and Driza-Bone but made up time on all others. In the corporate division we are about 1hr 30 in front of RBS so well placed. The team is doing well and holding together pushing each other hard as we go.

Tomorrow is a hard and fast mountain bike ride followed by some rope activity and white-water rafting in Launceston. Tomorrow will also include a big run so should be a good day for us.

Cheers, Mark

Mark Webber Challenge

We arrived this morning and have registered. It is beautiful today but the weather is expected to get nasty later in the week.

We fitted out our bikes, checked all our new gear (clothes, shoes, bags, etc) and had a quick kayak. I am in a boat with Keith, and Phil and Richard are in the other. We’ve checked the rudder this year having had a crooked one last time.

Most competitors have arrived and we are slowly meeting everyone. I sat next to Leigh Colbert (Nth Melbourne exAFL) he is looking forward to the event but also nervous about racing 6 to 8 plus hours for 5 days.

The course looks good. Days 1, 2 and 4 will be hard. Day 2 will be particularly hard as it involves running Mt Rolland like last year (3 mountain peaks) with a mountain bike before and after, followed by a 7km kayak.

Cheers
Mark

The 2008 Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge is happening from 19 -23 November. I along with five other Telstra employees will be competing to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia.

Over the past couple of months I’ve maintained a rigid training program to help prepare for the demands that await in this big endurance event. I will be competing with Jacinta Worland - Ironman distance professional athlete for 10 years. We are competing in the three day Ambassador Cup, which is an invitational category for pairs of competitors.

Competing in such an internationally renowned endurance event is a huge honour and I look forward to participating and helping to raise money for the charities Mark has selected – the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia and the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

Why do I compete in the event? For me, each physical challenge provides the opportunity to raise funds for charity organisations. The Challenge is a great opportunity to contribute to the community, showcase Telstra’s superior products and services and I can show my support of a young Australian athlete who is passionate about his home country and giving back to the community.

You can help the Telstra teams raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation by clicking the Donate Now button on this website - http://www.everydayhero.com.au

You can also track the teams during the event on the Mark Webber Challenge website.

You can also visit now we are talking to read more about the teams and Telstra’s involvement.

The Telstra team

Competing in the Van Diemen Cup are fellow Telstra employees who are the defending champions of the Cup (with Keith as a new addition).  Learn about these great competitors … Keith Mearns, Mark Comer, Richard Palmer and Philip Barrett.

I am very much looking forward to participating in the event and sharing with you how we are all progressing during the event.