Solar Team Twente crosses the finish line

A delirious Solar Team Twente crossed the finish line of the World Solar Challenge today. The last day had been fairly tense, with the team having to drive at an average speed of over 90 kilometres per hour to be able to finish. Team leader Tim Plattel is immensely proud of his team. ‘Together, we showed how strong we are.’

When Solar Team Twente started out on the last day of the World Solar Challenge there was only 300 kilometres left to go. Nevertheless, it was a nerve-wracking last day. If they couldn't make the finish before twelve o'clock, their time would not be entered in the records. So to reach the finish line in time, they were obliged to achieve an average speed of at least 90 kilometres per hour. The team had worked hard late into the night to repair the 21Revolution. Because of the crash last Tuesday, the solar panel could no longer tilt - and a tiltable panel was essential to generate enough energy for the required speed. Fortunately, by one thirty in the morning the panel was back in operation.

Eighth place

Haico Stegink drove the 21Revolution today. 'The last bit was really tense,' says team member Annemiek Dul. 'We had to drive the car at high speed through the busy traffic around Adelaide. Haico managed to get enough speed and reached the official finish just outside Adelaide at a quarter to twelve - fifteen minutes before closing time.' With that, the team made eighth place in the rankings. Team leader Tim Plattel is immensely proud of his team. 'Despite the inevitable setback, we made it to the finish line. This really was a team effort! Together we showed how strong we are.'

Ceremonial finish

Following the official finish, the traditional ceremonial finish was held in the centre of Adelaide. The team allowed driver Mart Bruinja the honour of driving into the city. He had been behind the wheel when the 21Revolution overturned last Tuesday. Says Annemiek: 'The team wanted Mart to drive. We wanted him to have this great experience, after the crash.'

In Adelaide, family, friends and the solar teams from Delft and Belgium awaited Solar Team Twente in Victoria Square. 'It was fantastic to see everyone again.' says Annemiek. 'Our team dived into the fountain with champagne and beer to celebrate. We were so happy to have made it safely to the finish. Everyone was overjoyed.'

Despite a chronic lack of sleep (during the race, team members slept for three hours on average), the team members are not yet planning to make up for it. Says Annemiek: 'We're too happy at the moment. We're going to have a big party first - rest will come later.'