Posted on 07/02/08 5:26 AM| by team-admin
They have done it!
Team Xtreme Couture crossed the finish line all smiles at about 2:00 am Wednesday, July 2, 2008! We almost missed it because the Spot tracker was not tracking accurately at the end, and as of this posting almost 2 hours later, it still does not show them having finished! Luckily, we made it to the finish line with about 5 minutes to spare with the bottle of champagne. There should be some amazing photos in the gallery soon and we will be posting our photos and videos as soon as possible! Their expressions when they crossed the finish line were awesome! It was about 45 degrees out, so they posed for several photos and then rode their bikes for the last tiny stretch back to the warm condo.
The team tried to eat a bit after they showered, but they all kept falling asleep with food in their mouth! We are sitting here typing this while listening to the sound of 4 distinctly different snores!Â
Unofficially, they finished in 17th place. We are hoping that goes up 1 or 2 places once race directors assess who short coursed, penalties, credits, etc. As we have mentioned before, just to be one of the teams to actually complete the full course is an amazing feat in itself. These 4 have accomplished something that the majority of human beings would never dare to even try! We were honored to be their support team, and we all have had the experience of a lifetime!
Here is a cool video PQ directors put together before the race started. It was shown in our pre-race meeting. Now that we have done all of these check points and transition areas, it is even better to watch!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmA9zOnLtyA  Check out www.youtube.com for more PQ videos.
Thank you again for all your shout-outs and support! It really helped the team (and us) through those rough transitions knowing that you all were out there pulling for us!
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:31 am
I’m reading this posting of your grand finish at 6:30 MN time on Wed. with tears in my eyes. Fantastic for all of you, the team and all your support. Thanks for letting us follow along with all the details you provided. Get rested, and enjoy the victory! Erich, i updated Helen last night as you all neared the finish, as did your dad. We are all thrilled!!!
cheryl
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:21 am
WELL DONE Team XC!!!!
A great accomplishment indeed. Rest well.
Adi
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:18 am
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! YOU DID IT!!! You all are an amanzing group of people - team and support team. I just finished reading the comments about the finished, and found myself crying!!! Eric, the girls and I have been watching every day, and in some ways feel like we were right there with you in spirit. Mark, I can’t tell you how proud we are of you, and what an inspiration you are. I called dad first thing this morning and told him you finished - he was so happy that you made it through the whole course (in one piece!!!). I can’t wait to talk to you to find out more details, but just wanted to write this one last note and let you know what an incredible little brother you are!!! Now, get some rest, eat and enjoy the kids. I know they are looking forward to seeing you soon. Love, Julie
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:24 am
E, Dad and I were up at 3am (our time, 1am yours) tracking you all of the way to the finish… Finally crashed out again at about 4:10am, just a couple of minutes after you made it in. Cheered for you all the whole way.
I thought you might have gotten in before team 8 at one point, but that was just the darn Spot tracker not getting updated. Either way, that was fun, way to go. Again next year?
(Also, why the 72 minute time penalty?)
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:20 am
congrats to the team. it is awesome what you have accomplished. you will have memories for life.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:15 am
You guys BLOW MY MIND! I am so very proud of you. (that includes the best support team in ad racing of course) 17th place or maybe even higher!?!?!? Truly amazing effort. Safe travels home…..cannot wait to see you and hear everything. Love ya!
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:48 am
Erich — well done, son!
And to all of you — what a victory! It’s been great to see your teamwork and determination accomplish an extremely difficult goal. My hat is off to you.
Hope you can relax and enjoy some good rest and eating and storytelling. I’m looking forward to hearing everything.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
What is going on with the standings? They’ve now penalized Team 44 with 706 minutes?!
Yesterday morning, it showed a 68 minute penalty. Will there be an explanation of time penalty/bonuses at some point?
EC was the 17th team across the finish line in any case. Congrats.