Being on site throughout the day, some facts that are due are that the start was earlier, the route was shortened, and cutoffs were extended along with extra water. Unfortunately, it can also be compounded by someone dousing themselves with water. Yes they shouldn't and yes they should be stopped, but for anyone who has been involved with events, try stopping someone in that condition from doing so.
There were also a host of other issues brought about. What I did see on site was vehicles with extra water going out. The decision to stop riders at Christmas Camp (66km) could well have compounded this. However, with the air ambulance operating, the call had to be made. The event also put out an emergency evac, which called for all staff, etc., to take vehicles up to the evacuation point and bring riders down.
I'd say approx 220 od people were evacuated in the space of an hour or two. Trucks etc went up to collect bike. The staff and officials took pictures of each registration as well as rider numbers.
As far as fatality/ies go, there's no confirmation and if so it requires a severe amount of delicacy, family would be involved and any priority of notice is toward them. There is also the fact that in such a scenario for most, they'd prefer to keep such a thing private. It should be respected, no argument.
It's a difficult call to make, hindsight is always perfect, and no doubt there are questions to be asked. On the keyboard flipside there's those who are calling the decision soft, and fairweather riders. Personally, I feel that these are those kinds of moments people should step back a little until the dust settles.
