Archive For 'December, 2010'

From Hercules Inlet To The South Pole With Chris Foot

29 December 2010 at 13:43

You know by now that we don't just organise races in some of the world's most extreme environments at EWR: we also take part in those races - and in other extreme challenges.

EWR friend and extreme consultant Chris Foot is one of those who not only helps others train and prepare for races in extreme conditions but also takes on challenges that would make even the hardiest think twice before attempting.

Earlier this year, Chris completed the 350 mile EWR Polar Challenge race to the Magnetic North Pole. This would be challenge enough for most people in one year. But not for Chris. On November 25th, Chris set off from Hercules Inlet(79.98565S,79.9768166W) in Antarctica and began a solo unsupported trek to the South Pole and back. His only companion is the pulk that he's pulling along behind him.

: Chris Foot - courtesy of 4ward Motion

There's Method In The Madness

So, why is Chris attempting to become the first to make the journey from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole - and back - with no assistance and no support?

Chris is someone who believes in pushing boundaries. As an ex-Royal Marine and the youngest serving member of the SAS (at 21), he'd already experienced mental and physical endurance before he left the military and turned to performance training for individuals, sportsmen and women, and companies. As he says on his company website,

I firmly believe that all excellence can be modelled and applied effectively. The limits of individual potential can be stretched drastically when introduced to effective strategies and frameworks, which are most importantly matched by a persons desire to constantly enhance themselves in all capacities.

He hopes to match words and action on this challenge. Putting together the known risks of the Antarctic environment, the unforeseen dangers that may arise, and a long period of solitude is exactly the recipe for testing the limits of human performance.

And while Chris is hoping to push himself further than ever before, he will also be raising money for Combat Stress - a charity that helps former military personnel confront and overcome mental health problems.

Follow Chris From The Safety Of Your Browser

Follow Chris's progress on the expedition site, where you can view a Google Map of his route and read daily updates of what's happening on the Antarctic Plateau.

The Daily Telegraph recently ran a story about Chris, his training, and his expedition. Read it online at the Telegraph website.

Tags: south pole | antarctica | chris foot | hercules inlet

Posted in Extreme Headlines | South Pole | No Comments

Stories from Antarctica You May Have Missed

20 December 2010 at 12:47

Here's a quick look at some stories from Antarctica I found across the web that you may have missed in the last week.

The BBC reports on a British expedition to Antarctica that claims a new record for the fastest crossing of the continent by land. The expedition - The Moon Regan Transantarctic Expedition - comprised 10 men and made the 1209 mile crossing in 13 days. The expedition site has some great pictures of the preparations, the vehicles, and the journey itself.

Earlier this month saw the 20th anniversary of the first dog-sled trek across Antartctica. The multinational team of six men celebrated by meeting up at team leader Will Steger at his home in the US. Steger, from Minnesota, is now 66 but is still leading treks. Next year, he will leading a team into the Canadian Arctic. Read more on the TwinCities website.

For a taste of life at an Antarctic research post, you could do worse than read this Popular Mechanics artcle by their senior science editor, Jennifer Bogo. She's visiting scientists at Palmer Station and gives a good account of how the simple act of ordering a coffee machine brings home just how far away this is from the mundane conveniences of everyday life.

We've experienced some cold and treacherous snowy conditions in the UK recently - and appear to be heading for some more as I write - but our cold and snow is really nothing compared to what can happen down in Antarctica. Our weather forecasters may like to label the conditions 'polar' or 'Arctic' but things happen differnetly in Antarctica. Read geologist John Goodge's short piece on 'Snowing in Antarctica' from the science section of the New York Times.

Tags: south pole | antarctica | research station | palmer station | will steger

Posted in Extreme Headlines | South Pole | No Comments

It's Germany v Austria In The Race To The South Pole 2010

06 December 2010 at 13:11

Next year's EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole will see teams from Britain and Norway going head to head for national pride in a re-run of the famous Scott and Amundsen race of 1911.

This year's race, however, has its own international challenge. The 2010 Race to the South Pole sees teams from Germany and Austria competing directly against each other across the Antarctic plateau.

The German team is led by TV presenter Markus Lanz and ultra marathon runner and extreme sportsman Joey Kelly. They're joined by Claudia Beitsch – a Bio-Scientist – and Dennis Lehnert of the Air Force. Their Austrian opposition is led by legendary skier Hermann Maier and radio presenter Tom Walek. Making up the Austrian team are Sabrina Grillitsch – Austria's only female mountain infantry soldier – and Alexander Serdjukov, who is a Husky racer.

Choosing the teams

Finding the final two contestants for both teams involved a series of three arduous training camps. Specialists from Extreme World Races (EWR) joined the team leaders to decide which contestants had what it took to make the trip.

In the first round, two camps were held in Germany and Austria. There were originally 9,000 applicants. Of these, only 60 contestants were invited to each of the camps. Through the course of 36 hours, contestants performed tasks to prove not only their team skills but also their endurance: did they have the will coupled with the raw ability to really go for the Pole when they reached Antarctica?

Only 10 people were selected from the initial training camps to compete in the final, which took place on the glacier at Kitzsteinhorn near Kaprun in Austria. Here, the contestants were confronted with conditions that were closer to what they would face in Antarctica. Cold winds and heavy snowfall at an altitude of 3,000m challenged them while they learned how to perform a rescue from a crevasse or to build a tent when snow covers everything within minutes.

Everything was done under the close watch of the EWR team and the team leaders. Finally, after another 36 strenuous hours, the two members who had made it onto each team were called forward. They knew now that they were heading for the adventure of their lives but also weeks of tough preparation before their departure to Antarctica.

The final training

In the first week of November, the teams travelled to Hjerkinn in Norway for the training that would teach them everything they needed to know to survive in the hostile environment of Antarctica – both in theory and in practice. Three days of classroom training about cold weather injuries, food in Antarctica, equipment preparation, and other pertinent issues were as vital as the 3 day mini-excursion that followed, where the emphasis was on team skills and the ever-important tent routines.

Training is over and race day is approaching fast. Today – December 5th – the teams left for Cape Town. After a few more days of preparation – getting kit and supplies sorted out – they will carry on to Antarctica itself on December 9th. After another week of acclimatisation and travel onto the Antarctic plateau, the race will start on December 20th.The winning team is expected to arrive at the Pole just after New Year's Day.

Watch it on TV

German and Austrian TV crews are following the race, with the event to be broadcast in Germany by major station ZDF and in Austria by the main broadcaster ORF over six episodes in March 2011.

Tags: antarctic | race to the south pole | germany vs austria 2010 | antarctica

Posted in Extreme Headlines | 2010 Race to the Pole. Austria v Germany | Extreme Races | No Comments

Press Release 03/12/10

03 December 2010 at 11:48

Press Release. For immediate release.

EWR Main Logo

**New Arctic Trucks 6x6 Hilux off-roader created for world’s toughest race**

Ultimate Arctic Trucks AT44 6x6 Hilux to be tested to limits in Antarctica for Historic EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole

Arctic Trucks AT44 6x6

Since 1990, Arctic Trucks have been the world’s leading extreme terrain modification specialists and their 4x4 Hilux has featured in some of the most incredible journeys undertaken in recent years. However, a very special and historic event – the EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole - has required Arctic Trucks to create the all-new AT44 6x6.

With 44 inch tyres, higher load capacity and improved towing ability, extra-large deck for carrying support teams and the extensive equipment required for the competitor’s survival, the AT44 6x6 is now the ultimate off-roader and the only vehicle capable of performing in the world’s last great wilderness.

The hotly anticipated AT44 6x6 Hilux will be tested to its absolute limits in the world’s highest, driest and coldest desert when, on 14th December 2011, 100 years to the day since Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen beat Captain Robert Falcon Scott in their epic duel to the South Pole, the EWR Scott/Amundsen Centenary Race to the South Pole will begin.

Negotiating multiple crevasses, crossing snow bridges and rising to over 3000 metres above sea level, facing winds of up to 80mph and withstanding temperatures as low as -56C: these are just a few of the challenges on offer in the ultimate off-road test on the EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole. Extra large 400 litre fuel tanks and capacity for 8 x 200 litre fuel barrels create an unprecedented driving range, allowing unsupported travel to the South Pole. With substantially more traction, the 6x6 will have greater pulling capacity in difficult conditions. The new drive line of the 6x6 has been designed to keep the exceptional reliability Arctic Trucks are famous for, tested on many successful expeditions to the toughest environments on the planet.

Emil Grimsson of Arctic Trucks;“Creating the 6x6 has been our biggest challenge to date and we are excited by the prospect of being a part of such a momentous event. This is a huge step forward in off-road engineering and will allow us to provide the best possible support for the brave competitors.”

Set in the stunning landscape of the coldest, driest and highest deserts on earth, the EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole is inspired by the 100th Anniversary of the original Antarctic challenge between Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen. Taking place for only the third time ever, the second race in 2009, filmed for the BBC’s “On Thin Ice” documentary series, saw history repeat itself as TV celebrity Ben Fogle and Olympian James Cracknell were narrowly defeated by the Norwegians.

Tony Martin, Race Organiser and MD; “For any off-roader, this is the ultimate test. It is vital to have the right levels of expertise, equipment and support. Arctic Trucks’ 6x6 is the only vehicle capable of performing to these levels in Antarctica - the harshest conditions in the world.”

For further information, race maps, a selection of images and to arrange interviews please contact:
Dan Crofton dan@extremeworldraces.com
Darryl Butcher darryl@extremeworldraces.com

020 7225 6420, www.extremeworldraces.com or check out www.vimeo.co/ewr

AT44 6x6 Specifications: