Reformed Unicorn Group Podcast

by Quoterific


Chapter 101- Triple Challenge Pt.8

“Okay every listener, this is going to be a gruelling event for every athlete involved in this today,” Trixie announced to the R.U.G. tuners, “Welcome back to Manehattan for your daily coverage of the Equestria Games as they happen, and we are about to see the triathlon race. Before we do, let me introduce my partner from Good Morning Equestria, Pinkie Pie.” She sounded less enthusiastic about being with the eccentric mare, but the schedule did say that she had to partner with her eventually.

“Thank you, Trixie!” Pinkie jumped up and down in excitement, “And this is going to be a tough race, tougher than the most toughest toffee in the whole of Equestria! Tougher than the bigger gobstopper to ever suck, because this race is going to suck up every little bit of energy that they have!” Trixie tried not to facehoof at Pinkie Pie’s elaborate sweet description of the race.

“I can’t believe you managed to describe this race as candy sweets,” Trixie mumbled.

“Why not? This is going to be a tough candy to crack!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“You mean the triathlon or your metaphorical sweet?” Trixie asked unsure.

“Exactly!” Pinkie simply answered, “And I have emergency candy in my mane in case of candy emergencies.” She pulled some out of her mane and asked Trixie, “Want some?”

“After that lovely description of the race, I think I will pass, and we are getting off-topic here,” Trixie groaned, “Why don’t you tell us what our athletes have to endure?”

“That’s easy,” Pinkie answered whilst jamming as much candy into her mouth as physically possible, by Pinkie’s standard that is, “The race will start with a one-thousand five-hundred metre swim across Manehattan Bay, a forty kilometre specially adapted creature bike ride and finally a ten kilometre run through the streets of Manehattan.”

“Thank you,” Trixie sighed, glad that something went right, “They must dismount the bikes correctly when they reached the marker, and the transition from swimming to cycling and cycling to running must be swift and accurate. Failure to do so will either lead to a time penalty or a slowing down if they don’t keep up the momentum.”

“Now let’s see the list of competitors, shall we!” Pinkie enthusiastically announced. Trixie nodded and quickly levitated the scroll over to reveal the names of athletes hoping to go all the way to gold.

1. Manehattan
2. Crystal Empire
3. Changeling Kingdom
4. Whinnyapolis
5. Peaks Of Peril
6. Ponyville
7. Baltimare
8. Mount Aris

“This is really a diverse list of competitors,” Pinkie whistled, “Ponies, changelings, kirins and hippogriffs oh my!”

“This is going to be any creature’s guess about who will win this one, with no magic allowed for any advantages and bias,” Trixie nodded in agreement, “Now let’s watch now from our special magical screens as the athletes line up for the swimming leg of the triathlon. We wish every creature the best of luck.” They watched from their screen as the athletes lined up, ready to dive in to begin the swimming section. At the sound of the magic flare from a unicorn adjudicator, they all took the plunge into the cold waters of Manehattan Bay.

“And so, here are go, every creature,” Trixie watched, “And the Crystal Empire have made a strong start with the swimming, head now towards the first buoy for the turn. Behind them with a eleven second distance is Baltimare, Mount Aris and the Peaks of Peril, the kirins surprising every creature with the swimming capabilities.”

“Out on the tail end, the changeling athlete is leading, with Whinnyapolis, Ponyville and the other athletes brgining up the rear,” Pinkie looked behind the leading pack, “The Crystal Empire is going round their second corner as the bikes are waiting. They must find their own bike which is stationed somewhere in this row. The Crystal Empire now reach the landing as they try to maintain that distance from Mount Aris and locate their bike.”

“It’s all about that smooth transition we were talking about. They take of their goggles and swimming hats. Quickly climb onto their specially made creature bikes and run with them to the maker where they can climb on. Successful transitions from the athletes there!”

“As smooth as melted caramel,” Pinkie licked her lips, earning a glare from Trixie, telling her to focus, “Right, onto the cycling part now as they race through the streets of Manehattan, starting in the Downtown district. The Crystal Empire is still maintaining a strong lead over Mount Aris and the Peaks of Peril, Baltimare falling behind slightly. They must work together to over take the Crystal Empire somehow, it’s only a matter of when they have that burst of energy to use each other’s wind to do so.”

“And that is exactly what they did!” Trixie watched intently, “Mount Aris have overtaken the Crystal Empire now and a new lead has been made! They are now heading through the busy Saddle Row district, past all the acclaimed and renowned boutiques and onto the final bend. Can Mount Aris maintain that new lead is any creatures’ guess.”

“Now comes that smooth dismount on the marker and to take off their helmets and start running,” Pinkie excitedly watched, “Mount Aris running as fast as her claws can carry her, with the Crystal Empire and Peaks of Peril hot on their hooves!”

“The finish line is in sight as the ribbon is drawn up. And it’s Mount Aris taking the gold, the Crystal Empire for the silver and Peaks of Peril for the bronze! What a race with surprises and great effort from all athletes involved today!” Trixie clapped her hooves together, “That is all for your coverage of the Equestria Games from the R.U.G. and G.M.E! We hope to see you all again soon!”