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One NZ GODZONE teams continue to remain locked in fierce competition with two teams playing cat and mouse.

Today could mark a turning point with thoughts that Team 7 Rab could surge ahead of Team 9 Fear Youth, potentially creating a significant buffer between themselves and the determined young gun team. The front running teams are currently immersed deep in the Richmond Ranges that comprises mostly of the steep native forest-covered mountain country between Nelson and Blenheim.

The stage six route started with a packraft down the Wairau River followed by a significant trek through the Richmond Ranges before getting onto the Pelorus River and onwards to Butchers Flat transition.Both rivers are dark zoned which forced both of the leading teams to camp on the side of the river.

Earlier this morning, Team Fear Youth made a notable route choice through this area at a location known as Ada Point that cost them a chunk of time.

“This decision appears to have been a matter of route selection, rather than a navigational error,”says GODZONE Race Director Adam Fairmaid. ” They quickly realised their position and adjusted course, backtracking to the align with the route taken by team Rab who had taken the other ridgeline.

Team Fear Youth lost around three kilometres to Rab. With Rab travelling on a track, and Fear Youth now having rejoined it, the gap is anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes of racing time.

Despite this, Rab has not managed to decisively distance themselves from their rivals just yet. Can they push ahead – time will tell. All action will be on the Perlorus today with these two teams expected to reach the river around midday.