They were once again first. But could it have been for the last time?

Moments after ringing the bell at the finish line to claim their 16th Royal LePage Comox Valley Snow to Surf Adventure Relay Race championship, Westerly Hotel Brian McLean Banzai captain Bill Brett dropped a bombshell by saying the 2011 event may be the last time the Banzai will compete in the multi-sport relay race.

"The thought was this was going to be our last year," said Brett. "I'll have to talk to the boys."

Sunday's race was a three-team battle most of the way among Men's Open entries Banzai, Team Canmore (Alberta) and Ski Tak Hut Tsunami (Courtenay).

Things were tight as the teams came down Mount Washington, with Banzai and Team Canmore slowly pulling away through the ensuing legs before Brett's boys won by about four minutes over the feisty Albertans.

"I can't believe we actually won after so many mishaps," Brett said. "(downhill skier) Trevor Jordan had a spill arriving at the (cross-country ski) exchange," said Brett of the early setback.

A good cross-country leg by Dave Harbocian and two two good runs by Dave Palarmo and Sean Chester made up for lost time.

"Sean did a great job. He put us up by about a minute and 10 seconds," Brett said. "He had a bad spill at the mountain bike crossroads, but our mountain biker (Matt Powsey) kept us in the lead."

If this was to be Banzai's last Snow to Surf, it was perhaps fitting they experienced a first.

After taking the arm band from road cyclist Don Gilmore, Brett dashed down to the canoe where he and stern paddler Ron Williams set out for the finish line in the face of eight-knot winds and a nine-inch chop.

"In the water we got stuck in the muck out there," Brett said of the trip from the Courtenay Airpark to Comox Marine. We had to get out of the boat and go to the shore with it, go laterally, then got back in and went.

"That's the first time ever for that happening," said Brett. "There was not enough water, and we were heavy in the bow," he laughed.

"It was a good battle," he said of Sunday's event. "I just put the team together two days ago," he added, noting local runner Steve Royer was unavailable this year due to injury. "We'd like to thank our sponsors for their support," Brett said.

If this is the Banzai's final Snow to Surf, it is fitting the perennial champs leave on a winning note. But is it really bye-bye Banzai?

"We'll see how good the beer tastes," Brett smiled as the team headed for the beer garden.

Complete 2011 Royal LePage Comox Valley Snow to Surf Adventure Relay Race results are at www.snowtosurf.com.

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