At nightfall on Thursday, the leading French teams were still setting the pace as the racers embarked on the sea-kayaking section between Aléria and Solaro. Twenty-four hours later, world number two Estonia ACE/La Sportiva had opened up a lead on the Coscione plateau as they headed towards the transition area at Zicavo (TA5). Behind them, fellow Estonians Tactical Foodpack had moved into second place. Teams from Spain, Finland and Canada had also broken into the top ten. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Kailas Fuja, ranked third in the world, continued their impressive comeback after a costly navigational error early in the race.
A night at sea: calm waters and a battle against sleep
Conditions were ideal for this first night on the water. But on a calm sea, in complete darkness, simply staying awake became a challenge in itself. “My team-mates were singing and asking me questions to stop me from falling asleep… although they didn’t always succeed!” said Adam Rose of British team Beacon AR.Daybreak came as a welcome relief, revealing spectacular views of the Aiguilles de Bavella, their granite peaks offering a glimpse of what lay ahead. At Solaro, teams carried their kayaks across the dunes to reach TA4 before setting off on foot. For some, the transition provided an opportunity for their first proper rest. 400team Altore chose to sleep for two hours before tackling one of the most demanding sections of the course. Others decided to push on without stopping. Sleep management is therefore beginning to play an increasingly important role in the race. Each team must take a total of ten hours of compulsory sleep at checkpoints or transition areas where volunteers are present. The challenge is deciding where and when to take those hours – a strategic choice that could make all the difference in the days ahead.
Bavella and the Incudine: the major challenge of the opening part of the race
By the afternoon, all teams had completed the kayaking section and begun Section E: a 72-kilometre trek with 4,320 metres of elevation gain through the Aiguilles de Bavella and Mount Incudine. This key section brings together some of the toughest challenges of the race: demanding navigation, dense maquis and rocky terrain where every step requires concentration. Teams first crossed the Fiumicelli canyon, alternating between swimming, jumping, climbing and wading along the riverbed, surrounded by cliffs and huge boulders. Strong technical skills could save valuable time here. Further on, precise navigation became crucial in locating the checkpoints. It was during this section that Estonia ACE/La Sportiva consolidated their position at the front of the race. At CP5, on the Col de Bavella, Tactical Foodpack had moved into second place. After the French teams set the pace on the opening day, it was the Estonians who made their mark on Day 2.
A tougher second night ahead
The coming night promises to be gruelling. All teams will be in the mountains, tackling the long Section E, which is expected to take more than 24 hours for the fastest teams and over 40 hours for those further back. In addition to the difficult terrain and darkness, the weather is deteriorating. Storm clouds are gathering over the mountains, bringing heavy showers and thick fog.
Yet the race remains wide open. Several more days of relentless effort lie ahead before the teams reach L’Île-Rousse, leaving plenty of opportunity for the leaderboard to change again. The first teams are not expected to reach the finish before Tuesday, 6 October at the earliest.