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Distance: 13km
Camp El Ris to the Sphinx in Giza
The Sphinx, 3pm - Today was an early
start as competitors boarded buses at 3am from
the last campsite and were driven back to the
outskirts of Cairo, a 7 hour trip. The
Stage 6 start was staged so that all competitors
would cross the finish line within a 3-hour
window. The slowest competitors started
out at 10am, the middle group started at 11am
and the top 10 at 12pm. The overcast skies
made for easier running and most cruised right
to the finish line. Frank Alvarez, who
started at 11am was the first to cross the
finish line. The finish line is situated
right at the base of the Sphinx and a band
welcomed competitors on the last 100m downhill
and under the green banner.
Jimmi Olsen blew through the stage in less than
an hour. As soon as he crossed, the clock
was started as everyone waited anxiously to see
if he would make up the 3 minute lead Galanzino
had over him. When three minutes had
passed there was loud applause for Olsen as this
made him not only Stage winner but also winner
of the Sahara Race 2006. Galanzino on the
other hand seemed to be taking it easy and
enjoying his run through the pyramids, stopping
for photographs on the way. Ahn Byeung Sik
of Korea followed behind. Claire Price of
the UK and Sanday McCallum of Canada ran in
together taking the first and second spots for
women respectively.
Carpets were laid out for competitors at the
finish line. Many were greeted by family
members. For all, it was an emotional
moment to have finished the 150m haul.
Team History Channel was back together for the
last Stage. As they wound round the last
stretch and down into the finish, Danny pulled
out front and brought his teammates in. He
explained later that his infected toe was going
numb during the run but he really just wanted to
finish.
Danny Jones of the UK was the last to come
across to rousing cheers, with all competitors
rising to greet him.
All competitors are back at the hotel and taking
advantage of fresh water and the hotel bar.
All will be back on buses at 5pm to head to
downtown Cairo where the Awards Banquet will be
held in an Oberoi restaurant in the center of
the old town Halili market.
Full results will be posted in a few hours.
Photos and videos will also be updated over the
next 48 hours so please check back often.
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Today is the final push to the finish line in
front of the pyramids and the Sphinx. It
is a short course but it will be dramatic as
Galanzino of Italy and Olsen of Denmark battle
for first place. The Sahara Race 2006 will
end right in front of the Sphinx between 11am -
1pm Saturday.
Reports will be posted later on in the day.
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