Archive For 'September, 2011'
29 September 2011 at 10:18
Wanted: World’s Toughest Driver for ‘Centenary Race to the South Pole’
12 Nov 2011 - 12 February 2012
South Africa, Antarctica & the South Pole
Worth an incredible £125,000, ultra-adventure operator ‘Extreme World Races’ are offering one lucky person a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a driver for our upcoming ‘Centenary Race to the South Pole’.
Following our last successful epic race with Ben Fogle and James Cracknell as seen on the BBC’s ‘On Thin Ice’ series in 2009, Extreme World Races are hosting the ‘Centenary Race to the South Pole’ to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s iconic expedition.
The role is simple:-
Supported by an expert co-driver, we are looking for one person to help ensure our 15 competing teams are safe throughout the race. Departing for Cape Town from 12 November 2011 before transferring to the South Pole itself this incredible experience is not for the faint hearted. It will be a long and hard adventure across treacherous crevasse fields, in temperatures of -50C, but one of the most memorable journeys and experiences on the planet.
If successful, you will:-
- Drive one of our expedition’s specially adapted Arctic Hilux 6x6 trucks vehicles (tested by Jeremy Clarkson in similar conditions for BBC’s ‘Top Gear’ series)
- Assist in mapping out the safest route to ensure competitors are taking the safest routes at all times
- Be part of a comprehensive support network to ensure all souls are safe
- Have an opportunity to be part of the 100th anniversary celebrations at the South Pole to commemorate Sir Robert Falcon Scott on the 100 year anniversary of his epic voyage
- Visit the grave of Sir Robert Falcon Scott to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of his epic voyage
How to enter?
If you think you have what it takes and are available from 12 November 2011 to 12 February 2012 then call 0904 679 0900 for full details of how you can enter and experience this £125,000 trip of a lifetime to the South Pole.
Calls are £1.50 per minute with a minimum charge of £1.50 and maximum submission of up to seven minutes. Competition terms and conditions apply.
- Entrants must be 18 years of age or over and in possession ofa Doctor’s certificate to confirm that they are in good health.
- You will also need a full UK drivers licence.
- Entrants will need to have a passion for extreme adventure and a desire to visit this unique part of the universe where few have visited before.
- Entrants will be required to drive in temperatures of -50c or below.
The final decision will be made by an EWR panel. Closing date for entries is 21st October. EWR will notify the winner and announce the lucky winner on our website on the 24th Oct. The Judges’ decision will be final.
Competition terms and conditions:
Final selection is non-transferable and non-exchangeable terms and conditions do apply.
1. To enter a competition you must be: 18 years old or over at the time of entry.
2. Competitions are not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of EWR or Sono International Ltd.
3. No purchase necessary.
4. Only one entry per person.
5. The winner will be the entrant who is selected as having submitted the best e mail application by the judges.
8. The closing date is as specified and EWR reserves the right to amend the competition end date at any time.
9. We will notify the winner by e-mail. The judges’ decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
10. You can find out who has won on the announcement date at our website at www.extremeworldraces.com
11. By entering the competition the winner agrees to participate in such promotional activity and material as EWR may require.
15. This competition is being run by Extreme World Races Ltd.
Tags: South Pole Race | Tony Martin | EWR | Extreme World Races | Driver | Toughest Driver | Centenary Race to the South Pole | On Thin Ice | Ben Fogle | James Cracknell | Captain Robert Falcon Scott | BBC Top Gear
Posted in Extreme Headlines | 2 Comments »
21 September 2011 at 13:56
Welcome to the Polar Elite Foundation
Throughout the years, Extreme World Races (EWR) has built up a family of extraordinary and inspirational individuals with a common interest to challenge yourselves in the most inhospitable places. This community of such powerful people is what Polar Elite encapsulates; a place for people with the drive and ambition to come together and Achieve The Extraordinary.
The internet is a powerful tool for sharing dreams, ambitions and stories and the Polar Elite Foundation is the perfect place to start or share your own once in a lifetime experience. This is a private member’s club that everyone can be a part of, a place for fellow adventurers from all regions and backgrounds.
The Polar Elite Foundation is an exclusive community for like-minded adventurers.
There are four entry stages, with differing member benefits, depending on your involvement with Extreme World Races:
Aurora
£445
Participated in both the South Pole and Polar Challenge
Eclipse
£295
Participated in the South Pole OR Polar Challenge
Crystal
£175
Participated in Lake Baikal and/or the Academy
Associate
£98
Anyone who wants to be part of the organisation
Visit the Polar Elite Foundation page on the website for more information or contact Emily on 01285 860440 or at polarelitefoundation@extremeworldraces.com
Tags: Polar Elite Foundation
Posted in Polar Elite Foundation | No Comments
20 September 2011 at 10:30
With winter on the horizon, we preview our top five cold weather jackets for the season ahead.
Operating in some of the world’s coldest environments for our races to the South Pole and magnetic North Pole, our training camps in Austria, Iceland and Norway, and not forgetting our recces to Siberia to plan our world first – the multi-disciplinary ‘Siberian Black Ice Race’, EWR staff and competitors have tried and tested all sorts of clothing over the years.
Using this combined knowledge, we’ve created our top five cold weather jackets for your delectation.
It’s been a tough call - not as tough as walking along ice in -40 degree winds mind you – but our selection panel of survival experts have finally made our decision. Not prescriptive and you may disagree of course, but here’s our Top 5 Winter Warmers for the season ahead:
Cue ‘Top of the Pops’ music circa 85….
No 5. Mountain Equipment Annapurna Jacket
This classic Down jacket has been around in various forms for forty years so comes with a great heritage behind it. In its present form, it’s packing 420 grams of high quality down in a Drilite water resistant shell. Yum. EWR staff used this jacket and were very happy with it on the 2004 Polar challenge.
Our very own David Martin headed up the support team that year and said this jacket kept him ‘toasty’ on the 150 mile skidoo trip from the start line across Bathurst island to checkpoint one. The one alteration he did make was to superglue the poppers that secured the hood. (Again, we’re not being prescriptive!)
EWR Thumbs Up
Additional Polarloft insulation on shoulders improves insulation under rucksack shoulder straps
Large inside pockets big enough for a one litre Nalgene
EWR Thumbs Down
Could be a longer cut in the body
A fixed hood would be better
www.mountain-equipment.co.uk
4. Montane Extreme Smock
Montane’s extreme smock has become a classic jacket for high activity use in cold environments. Felicity Aston, EWR’s lead female instructor wore a similar smock on her record-breaking all female expedition to the South Pole
http://www.kasperskycommonwealthexpedition.com/
While initially dubious about using a smock style rather than a full zip jacket, after extensive testing in New Zealand, there was simply no going back for Felicity.
EWR Thumbs Up
The price
The drop tail keeps the tails feathers nice and toasty
EWR Thumbs Down
The active cut can be restrictive for well built individuals
www.montane.co.uk
3. Nanok Expedition Pro Jacket
Nanoks expedition pro jacket has been issued on the last two EWR Polar Challenges, used by Ben Fogle and James Cracknell in our 2008 Race to the South pole and will again be in active usage in this years upcoming Centenary South Pole Race.
This is a seriously warm jacket with 580 grams of top quality down and has been invaluable at the South Pole in what can be of course treacherous conditions.
EWR’s lead instructor Gary Bullen who came third in the 2008 race (as one half of ‘Team Danske Bank’) skied the last 50 miles with this jacket on over his race suit.
Gary recalls; ‘Normally I used this jacket only on our five minute 2-hourly breaks throughout long 15 hour days, or while putting up or packing down our tent. But for the last few days at an altitude of 11000 feet with a still air temperature of -50 c, I wore it over my race suit on our final push to the pole. The long length kept my thighs warm and the pockets were ideal to hold the chocolate and treats I constantly munched on throughout the day’.
EWR Thumbs Up
The long length and massive pockets
The fixed hood
EWR Thumbs Down
The colour (also available in Black)
Quite hard to get hold of in the UK
www.nanok.no
2. Rab Batura jacket
It was a close run thing but a new product to EWR has entered our charts in an extremely high position due to the fantastic testing so far. We are using these in a private expedition to the South Pole that will run alongside this season’s main Centenary race.
The team of 7 individuals have been issued these jackets by EWR to use on their 200 mile trek ending at the Pole. With 325g of high quality down (feels like more!) this warm jacket has the added benefit of waterproof pocket zips and uniquely, a fully taped waterproof Pertex shell. Although not of great benefit in Antarctica (where water is naturally non-existent) it proved invaluable on the team training week when standing on an Austrian glacier, 40 mph winds and driving sleet were the order of the day!
EWR Thumbs Up
Its waterproof!
The clean unhindered lines
EWR Thumbs Down
The cost
www.rab.uk.com
And…at No. 1…………
1. Canada Goose Expedition Parka
This jacket is number one for a simple reason…we love it!
While not ideal for racers as weighing in at a hefty 3 kg, this jacket is ideal for support staff.
With members of our team having worn this jacket while supporting the last three Polar challenges we know it has everything you might need.
We put this coat through its paces: Typically spending over thirty days during our race as support crew, this includes: 5 days skidooing from Resolute bay to the start line to support the training crew and competitors; another five days skidooing from the start to checkpoint One to shadow the racers; then the need to fly out to man checkpoints for another 20 days.
Combine that with it being warm enough for skidoo driving at -40c; tough enough for the constant loading and unloading equipment and fuel from planes and skidoos; and still having enough pockets and room for a Leatherman, GPS, Sat phone, Ipod, sweets and hipflask! You’re onto a winner!
And finally a nice incidental extra is the wired hood with coyote ruff which can be moulded to shield you from side winds and is invaluable whilst driving.
If you want to get one of these jackets, start saving now, they don’t come cheap and beware of cheap fakes that are on ebay and the like!
EWR Thumbs Up
Everything
EWR Thumbs Down
It’s hard to wear in typical UK weather. Boo.
People grabbing the hood closed (like at school with your snorkel jacket – showing my age here!)
www.canada-goose.com
Tags: Gear | EWR Winter Warmers
Posted in South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Siberian Ice Race | 2012. Lake Baikal | No Comments
13 September 2011 at 11:56
EWR EXTEND SPECIAL £1,999 ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
EWR Extend Special Offer for the 'Ultimate Siberian Black Ice Race Travel Package’ and Trans-Siberian Express Finale
Race the world’s oldest and deepest lake in Siberia
A world’s first, the multi-discipline ‘Siberian Black Ice Race’ - the ultimate winter endurance event from EWR, is available to all would be adventurers at an all inclusive price of £1999 - now permanently extended following phenomenal demand.
Taking place on the world’s oldest and deepest ice lake in March 2012 and billed as ‘the world’s most terrifying race’, over the course of 3 weeks you will have the opportunity to conquer this unique tormented lake…
To compete, you must be self-sufficient on the ice with temperatures as low as -40degrees C and winds of up to 200km/h and can choose between either the 155 mile ‘Sprint’ or 379 mile ‘Marathon’ by bike, ski, foot, kite-ski and kite buggy.
Starting your journey in the ancient Cossack city of Irkutsk and competing in one of the world’s most beautiful wildernesses, this is an entirely new category of endurance racing and your chance to experience the unique challenge of racing on ice in Siberia.
Once finished, you will complete your Siberian experience with a memorable journey on the legendary trans-Siberian express. As the longest and most iconic rail journey in the world, the Trans-Siberian is one of the great adventures in travel. Taking competitors from the finishing line through vast wildernesses, magical landmarks and a myriad of cultures, there will be no better way to cap what is set to be one of the most terrifying endurance races on the planet.
Summary of Race Dates and Information
· Dates: 16th March 2012: Pre-race enrolment, kit inspection, race rules and registration. 17th March 2012: Race Start
· Start Time: 09.00 tbc
· Duration: Siberian Black Ice Race Marathon: 14 days cut off/Siberian Black Ice Sprint: 7 days cut off
· Distances: Siberian Black Ice Race Marathon: 379 miles/Siberian Black Ice Sprint: 155 miles
· Open Class: Male, Female
· Designed For: Experienced adventurers looking to push their limits
· No. of Places: 100 at the special all inclusive price of £1,999 (subject to availability)
· Disciplines: Walk, Cycle, Run, Ski, skate, kite ski and kite buggy
What’s Included for £1,999:
· Economy Class Return Flights from London Heathrow to Irkutsk,
· Race Entry to the Siberian Black Ice Race
· Journey on the legendary Trans Siberian Express
· Transfers to and from the start and finish lines
· 2 nights hotel accommodation (1 night before the start in Irkutsk and 1 night at the finish of the race (accommodation during the race will be camping for all competitors)
· Russian Visa
· Services of a dedicated travel agency, ‘Perfect Travel’
The offer applies to both race formats. Prices are subject to change and availability is strictly limited. For further information and terms, please call +44 (0) 1285 860 440
Tags: Siberian Black Ice Race | Lake Baikal | Special Offer
Posted in Extreme Headlines | Siberian Ice Race | 2012. Lake Baikal | 1 Comments »
12 September 2011 at 17:25
EWR’s Shaun Keen Triumphant at ‘ITU Dextro Beijing World Triathlon Championships’
Extreme World Races are proud to report our sponsored EWR tri-athlete, Shaun Keen, 43, stormed home in an impressive 10th place in his age group in the recent first World Championships in Beijing.
Despite extremely tough competition from a field comprising of 50 international athletes from China, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and the USA, Shaun put in a very strong performance and completed the race in 73 minutes 13 seconds, eventually won by professional GB elite athlete Alastair Brownlee.
Shaun said; “Thank you to the team at Extreme World Races for making my dreams of competing at the World Championships in Beijing come true. The support and advice they have provided has been invaluable and I hope this result repays some of that support. I look forward to pushing myself even further at next year’s Europeans Championships in Israel.”
Tony Martin, EWR’s CEO said, “We are thrilled to support Shaun and would like to congratulate him on such a fantastic performance against incredibly tough competition. This is a huge achievement and we very much look forward to working with Shaun as he prepares for his next challenge in Israel. He embodies EWR’s spirit in every way.”
On taking part, Shaun describes his race; “all 107 tri-athletes – both from my age group of 40-44 and the next age group 45-49 - were at the start line, freezing and shaking due to the cold weather and rain.
The horn went and we were off! I managed to survive the swim and made a slick transition onto the bike. The course was very technical, with lots of tight turns and a very fast downhill section. The road surface was also extremely treacherous with so much surface water, but I was very pleased with my performance on this stage. Thankfully, another smooth transition into saw me change straight into the run, my legs still pumping from the final section of the ride. The run was 4 laps around a flat route and I pushed through with the support of my wife and daughter ringing in my ears. Getting over the finish line with a 100metre sprint, I finished 10th in my age group. I am so thrilled with my result.”
Here are Shaun’s split times with age group position
Swim 15.02
Transition 1: swim to bike 2.08
Bike 35.03
Transition 2 - bike to run 1.26
Run 19.28
Look out for more updates on Shaun on www.extremeworldraces.com
Tags: Shaun Keen
Posted in Extreme Headlines | No Comments
08 September 2011 at 16:44
Siberian Black Ice Race 2012: Part 1: Irkutsk - Gateway to Lake Baikal
With preparations warming up for EWR’s and world’s first Siberian Black Ice Race in 2012, we profile the history and background on the place where it all kicks off from, Irkutsk…
Established in 1652 as a centre for gold-trading, Irkutsk attracted an eclectic range of inhabitants including
Cossacks, dissidents and trades people and the city was eventually connected by road to Moscow in 1760. However, it was the exiles sent to Irkutsk in the early 19th century as they revolted against Tsar Nicholas 1 who left the lasting legacy that we associate with this extraordinary place today.
This small town rapidly became a centre for intellectual, artistic and creative progress and these exiles shaped the development of this remote Eastern Siberian town into an important cultural and economic centre - even earning the name ‘the Paris of Siberia’ by the time the first train arrived in the city in 1900.
From architecture, through to literature and art, Irkutsk’s reputation as a creative outpost quickly spread, although subsequent events were to challenge the city to it’s very limits…
During the Russian Civil War, Irkutsk was the setting for many bloody battles between the ‘Whites’ and ‘Reds’ and many historic buildings were lost in a huge fire in 1879 along with three quarters of the city. Despite such a dramatic and tumultuous past, Irkutsk has rebounded time after time and now offers EWR competitors a rich cultural experience.
The city is built next to the Angara River, which flows into Lake Baikal and a large reservoir was constructed in 1950 to help industrialisation of the region. The Irkutsk River, after which the city is named, flows into the Angara opposite the city. Climate is extreme and temperatures can range from extreme heat in the summer months to arctic conditions in winter, with a mean temperature in January of -19C.
It is this combination of a history of great creativity and the dramatic Siberian landscape that makes Irkutsk such a fascinating part of the Siberian Black Ice Race experience.
To find out more about the race, click on the Siberian Black Ice Race tab or call one of our team at 01285 860 445.
Tags: Lake Baikal | Siberian Black Ice Race | Irkutsk
Posted in Extreme Headlines | Siberian Ice Race | 2012. Lake Baikal | 1 Comments »
