Day 70, Tony and Racer's Update

Tony’s Update:

Hello

It is day 70 the 30th of January and we have started our drive back to Novo. We briefly stopped at our fuel dump only to find out it was buried…more digging! Another annoying factor that happens on our trips is the air filter in the engine gets clogged up with snow on occasion. This then stops the engine performing at its best and we lose about 25% of the power. We just clean the snow out, replace it and carry on driving. Approximately 2,400 km to go over 5 days and rotating drivers. I will keep you informed of our journey and whatever happens as the temperature continues to drop fast along with the sun.

Tony Martin

Racer’s Update:

Saturday 28^th January

The last morning of the race greeted us with crystal clear skies, a bright sun and -35 degrees Celsius. It began around 2am driving out towards the Pole searching for the last of the competitors: Team Centrepoint and Team Mission Possible. We spotted them approximately 7km away from their goal all sitting down together sharing a spot of whiskey and taking in their surroundings. Their long journey was soon about to end and they were savouring the moment.

They skied forward and finally arrived at the Pole at 04:59:38, just barely an hour before the cut-off time. It was a touching moment for these teams, not only had they bonded over a mutual goal but developed friendships that hopefully will not be forgotten. After enjoying their moment at the Pole they were whisked away to a tour at the Pole Station and then transferred back to Camp 100 to join the rest of the teams.

At 14:45 the Basler transfer flight left our base with all remaining competitors on it. They are due to arrive back at Novo late in evening where they’ll spend the last couple of days before flying out to Capetown. It’s been a tremendous race full of trials and tribulations. We’ve seen it all this year: laughter, tears, aches & pains but most of all the sheer determination and strength of the human spirit. The personal journeys that the competitors and the staff have taken during their time out in the beautiful isolation of Antarctica will forever be in the memories and in their hearts.

We’d like to thank all friends and families for such tremendous support before during and after the race. And wish a safe journey home to our competitors, we look forward to catching up with them at the Oscars of Adventure on the 16th June this year. Make sure you get your tickets!

This entry was posted on 31 January 2012 at 08:30 and is filed under South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Extreme Races | Press Releases. You can leave a response here.

1 response to “Day 70, Tony and Racer's Update”

Leave a Reply