Multisport: Competitor killed in adventure race

1.00pm

The death of an Australian competitor has stunned the Primal Quest adventure race in the United States.

Nigel Aylott was climbing a steep gully with the Australian team AROC in the northern Cascades mountain range in Washington State at 4.20pm (11.20am NZ time) yesterday when the accident occurred.

Aylott, who is a vastly experienced adventure racer, was hit by a dislodged rock near the Ilabot Peak.

Two members of the Montrail team, John Jacoby and Novak Thompson, both of Australia, also suffered moderate leg injuries when they fell trying to rescue their compatriot.

All seven surviving team members were helicoptered off the mountain before dark.

Several New Zealanders are competing in the event in various international teams, while the New Zealand Seagate team led by Nelson's Nathan Fa'avae were in the lead group although Merrell, with Neil Jones and Chris Morrissey of Whakatane and Jeff Mitchell of Christchurch, were still in pursuit.

Aylott's body remained on the mountain last night trapped under a large rock which broke loose during the fall. Rescuers were attempting to retrieve it today.

AROC and Montrail were leading the 640km race through the Pacific Northwest when the accident happened. The remaining 54 teams were told to stop racing and return to the nearest transition point while organisers assessed the situation they were due to make an announcement at 11am (NZT) today.

It is the second time a competitor has died in a major international adventure race after Frenchwoman Dominique Roberts drowned during a white water kayaking section of the 2003 Raid Gauloises in Kyrgyzistan.

- NZPA