88 km
1822m climbing

SXC Racing finishing time 6:13:30

Today was supposed to be a day to conserve energy, do what we had to do to finish in a good position, and have fresh legs in readiness for tomorrow (Friday) brutal stage with over 3000m climbing.

Brian's energy levels had deteriorated even further and he was still struggling to consume any real food. Signs were not looking good for the days racing, but we teamed together to keep things going. As Brian was feeling week, we decided it would be best for him to set the pace he was comfortable with. If that meant the lead group would ride away then so be it - finishing is what was important.

Surprisingly, Brian led out strongly holding position mid pack on some fast farm roads and single track. 16km in we headed down a fast farm road descent, then disaster struck. Going through the farm gate on a hard left off camber corner, Brian's front wheel hit some loose shale and then BANG - he was down hard, sliding into a drainage ditch, and screaming in agony. Riding behind, I saw the whole event happen in slow motion, and immediately knew our race was over.

After quickly getting Brian and his bike out of harms way, I was trying to stabilize and reassure Brian things would be OK. He was in agony, and I quickly called for medical attention. Unfortunately the remoteness of the terrain that the Epic is held in, doesn't allow for fast access medical support. Initial support was provided in the form of a roving quad bike. The medical support immediately stabilized Brian, and called for the doctor - initial prognosis being a compound fracture of the forearm / elbow and deep lacerations to the arm. Full evac. in the form of a 4WD was not possible for almost 90mins, and then being only possible through some heavy duty pain killers.

MTBers, even at an event like the epic are a great bunch. Almost 500 riders went past the scene, and all checked if we were OK, did we need any assistance. Even top pro rider Urs Huber (Team BULLS) who lost his own partner early in the day stopped and offered assistance. Truly a great bunch of people.

The rest of the medical side of the story I will need to leave to Brian:

When I went down I knew it was bad. There was no time to brace and my left elbow/arm took the full impact. I had a quick look and my arm was instantly swollen with bits hanging off and that was the last time I looked. All I kept saying was, "Don't tell me, don't tell me", as I knew I would faint if I had any details.

From then I just wanted help and to get taken to hospital. When first help arrived he had a foil blanket which was great as it was getting cold and a basic bandage was applied with a sling. Then came the drugs which were great. While waiting for the 4WD to take me out I was just trying to talk about anything to keep me occupied which included telling Wayne to take some pics for our blog.

Next help to arrive was a 4WD which got me the hell out of there. What seemed like forever we were then finally back at the race centre and in then medics tent. They removed the dressing and the first thing I hear is, "That's too big for me to fix", which didn't sound good. They did some basic checks and said I should be lucky and escape with no broken bones but will still need surgery.

I had a long wait for an ambulance to transport me because I had been administered morphine. Eventually I get to hospital and x-rays reveal no broken bones but a lot of gravel and one rock in particular lodged inside. They operated 7am the next morning and then after a full day on antibiotics and pain killers I was released from hospital. It is a huge disappointment not to finish but that's racing.

The Epic being the Epic the partner is allowed to ride on solo. I spent the next 5 hours riding through almost 400 teams to finish the stage.

I am continuing on for the team, albeit as an individual, to ensure that we complete this for the team. It is only when you are left riding solo in the remote country that the Epic takes you too, do you realize the importance of your partner. Everybody has the dark moments no matter how strong you are your partner is the one you rely on most.

Will keep you posted as the adventure continues.