Day 72, Tony and Final Racer's Update

Tony’s Update:

Hello it is day 72 of the trip the first of February. We are on day 2 of the return trip and we have covered 330 km so far in 6 hours. We are averaging about 50km an hour and we will continue to do to 78 degrees so will rest around 2 am. Sitting in my mobile office I can co-ordinate the Company and all other communication around the World in comfort.

Looking from left to right on the picture I have: my ipod for music, gps for navigation, dictaphone for the book I am writing, camera batteries for the pictures and videos and then there is Happy Feet outside guiding the way, the sat phone uplink that we used for the live links for Blue Peter and the website, a backup hand held sat phone, 2 locator beacons transmitting our location to the team at home, another voice sat phone, a cup of Green tea, the laptop I am writing on and of course my tooth brush as looking after your personal hygiene is of the greatest importance…phew!

The BBC film crew from Blue Peter and Sport Relief along with all the 100th Anniversary racers have now departed Novo and are safe in Cape Town.

That now leaves my safety team out on the ice with one job at hand: get off the plateau before the sun starts to set for the black winter. Temperatures are falling as fast as we are driving. However, we have Mother Nature on our side and all is well for now at just - 51 degrees.

Take care

Tony Martin

Day 72

Final Racer’s Update:

At last the day has finally come to commence the return trip home with the IL76 flight to Cape Town and everyone was not disappointed to wake up to a splendid morning with clear blue skies, only -1c and with no wind.

Equipment returns was the first call of the day with individual teams returning all equipment on loan before dropping tents and preparing personal bags for loading on the plane. With all personnel in good spirits and taking advantage of the glorious weather conditions a quick photo call was staged for all competitors and staff.

With news of an early departure and the boarding cards issued, there was no hanging around and with haste all passengers headed for the plane to secure seats. With farewells all done and the plane loaded the IL76 took off into an amazing blue sky for the 6hr flight to Cape Town.

The Race Organisers and all members of the Support Team wish to thank all competitors, sponsors, friends and family for making the 2011-2012 centenary race to the South Pole a truly memorable occasion and wish everyone every success for future endeavors undertaken.

Congratulations again to the Norwegian Team for an outstanding performance and we look forward to seeing all competitors and staff at the Awards Party in June.

Plane Departs