Russell is stunned and takes out his frustration on the rest of the climbing team. In his eve-of-summit pep talk, he lays on the line how dangerous the climb will be and how he won’t tolerate anyone disobeying his orders. L.A. biker Tim Medvetz disobeyed him last year and comes under withering attack for being arrogant. "I don't care if you die," Russell tells him.

But Tim hasn't been listening. As Team 1 sets off for the summit, Tim is last out of camp and taking his time on the first leg to Camp 1. He's in no rush, but Russell is furious. He wants Tim to play by the rules and stick closer to the other climbers. When Tim eventually arrives at Camp 1, Russell tears into him over the radio and threatens to throw him off the team. But Tim's in no mood to take it lying down and is furious at Russell. "If anyone talked to me the way he did this morning, back in L.A., he'd be on the ground, period," rants Tim.