On a crisp Sunday morning in Taupo, the two senior Westlake Adventure Racing teams lined up at the starting point for the Hillary 6-Hour Qualifying Event. Alongside 20 other school teams from across the North Island, they faced the challenge of navigating on foot and bike using maps and compasses. The stakes were high, as a spot in the national Hillary Challenge Final awaited the top six teams.
Our Westlake teams, each consisting of four boys and four girls, stood ready. As coaches Miss Jackson and Mr. Nicoll observed, excitement and nerves filled the atmosphere. This race would test not only the participants’ physical endurance but also their mental agility. Our teams pushed themselves to the limit. Pedalling up steep hills with their legs burning, they sprinted through farmland, map in hand. The ticking clock added urgency. Both teams showed impeccable teamwork, seamlessly supporting one another throughout the challenging course.
As the finish line loomed, our teams crossed it, still uncertain of their final placement until points were tallied. In a thrilling turn of events, the premier ‘Green’ team secured third place overall. Cheers erupted, and hugs were exchanged. We had achieved it! Westlake has qualified for the national Hillary Challenge final for the first time in five years. The team’s elation was contagious! Our second ‘Red’ team also had a fantastic day on the course, coming in 14th place. Their spirit and determination were equally commendable.
Now the real work starts – training for nationals in the October school holidays. The team has a tough road ahead, but we are excited about what will come. Another focus of the Westlake Adventure Racing squad is to prepare our Junior team for their qualifying event in Term Three when we hope to qualify for the Get2Go National Final in December.