IN WITH THE BIG KIDS NOW

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By Annabelle Latz
It’s out of the sandpit and in with the big kids for PURE Team 74, ‘Virbac Animal Health’ from Tasman Region and Taihape.
Winners of the PURSUIT section the previous two years, they decided this was the year to let their support crew put their feet up.
“Pure is the next level of the challenge,” said Anthony Oswald, teaming up once again with Brendan Hickman and Tina Moore, and Darron Jones has replaced last year’s team mate Adam Stanyer.
The team used Pursuit as the stepping stone, and now it’s about lots of new challenges, especially in areas like transition management.
They said the single biggest difference was going to be the food. Much more freeze dried food, no ready cooked meals from support crew, no ready-made beds, and they will set up their own tents this time.
“We were told it’s out of the sandpit now, and time to get out with the big boys,” laughed Oswald.
On the start line yesterday Hickman admitted they were chomping at the bit and ready to go, but knew they needed to take it easy out there and play a few course calls by ear.
Catching up with them at TA1, fresh off the pack raft on the Waiau River, blogger on the spot Hannah Johnston asked them if they were still pleased they’d got out of the sandpit.
“Tell Annabelle she’s hilarious, and ask us again after Stage Three,” they responded.