Archive for the 'Extreme Headlines' Category
03 January 2012 at 16:18
EWR Hits the Airwaves
EWR CEO Tony Martin interviewed on the Simon Mayo Drivetime Show on BBC Radio 2 by presenters Patrick Kielty and Caroline Barker
As racers line up for the EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole, the airwaves are buzzing with excitement..
Interviewed on the UK's most listened-to radio station yesterday 02.01.12), Extreme World Races CEO Tony Martin described the epic preparations behind the world's toughest race, how the competitors have been acclimatising to the extraordinary conditions in Antarctica and how they should 'expect to go through hell' in temperatures of -50 degrees and winds of up to 80 mph.
Look out for more coverage on the airwaves and television as the race starts tomorrow (04.01.12) and our competitors edge closer to Captain Scott's iconic centenary anniversary on January 17th.
Follow the race live on www.extremeworldraces.com and listen to the interview at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b018l9kc/Simon_Mayo_Drivetime_Patrick_Kielty_Sits_In/ (2hrs 38 minutes onwards).
Tags: Radio 2 | Centenary Race to the South Pole
Posted in Extreme Headlines | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | No Comments
16 December 2011 at 13:06
‘Extreme World Races’ demands the ‘ColdAvenger’ for South Pole Endurance Event
South Pole racers will wear ColdAvenger Pro masks to protect their face and airway
Talus Outdoor Technologies, maker of the ColdAvenger line of high-performance cold weather protective gear has joined forces with ultra adventure operator Extreme World Races to provide competitors undertaking the upcoming Centenary Race to the South Pole’ with the gear necessary to venture comfortably into the extreme climates they are set to face.
The ‘EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole’ will take competitors over 500 miles across some of the earth’s driest and highest deserts. Talus Outdoor Technologies is providing competitors with ColdAvenger Pro masks designed to protect skin and airways against the frigid temperatures against the frigid temperatures, while allowing them to breathe freely and prevent the fogging of their goggles.
“We are excited to be a part of this unique race and to also know the participants will be able to think about competing, rather than worrying about their lungs and airway being severely damaged by the frigid air,” says John Sullivan III, CEO of Talus Outdoor Technologies.
"These masks are a significant improvement on anything we have used before, minimizing the risk of frostbite and windburn to the face and virtually eliminating the problem of goggles misting up," says EWR's CEO Tony Martin.
The ColdAvenger’s soft medical-grade polyurethane nose and mouth chambers mixes inhaled cold air with exhaled warm air to achieve a dynamic balance of warmth and humidity while keeping moisture away from the face. The fabric is windproof, water resistant, and has a comfortable stretch to fit the face, ears and neck. The ColdAvenger’s patent-pending ventilation technology keeps temperatures inside the mask 40-60 degrees warmer than outside air while allowing total free breathing.
Extreme World Races has hosted a multitude of endurance and multi-disciplinary races since 2003, helping individuals and groups achieve the extraordinary and compete in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Races take place at both poles, North and South; deep within Siberia with the ‘Black Ice Race’, the world’s first multi-disciplinary race across the world’s oldest deepest lake, Lake Baikal; and for all wannabe adventurers, a one week ‘Adventure Academy’ in Norway.
Notes to editors
• Extreme World Races are famous around the world for organising races at the extremes of human performance since 2003. Founded by ex-soldier, adventurer and entrepreneur, Tony Martin, Extreme World Races work in the most hostile environments of sea, air and land on the planet helping groups and individuals to experience once- in- a- lifetime adventures. www.extremeworldraces.com
• Founded and headquartered in Missoula, Montana, Talus Outdoor Technologies™ is a leading innovator in technologically-advanced outdoor gear. Talus is dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts Stay Out Longer.™ In 2007, Talus introduced the ColdAvenger®, an advanced, high-quality cold weather protection mask developed by a physician and a skier. The ColdAvenger® is the result of more than two years of research and development testing in Northern Rocky Mountain winters to achieve four functional goals: thermal comfort, ventilation adequacy, moisture control and ease of breathing during exercise. Talus is proud to provide an elite product while being socially and environmentally conscious. www.talusoutdoortech.com
Tags: Talus | ColdAvenger
Posted in Extreme Headlines | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Press Releases | No Comments
13 December 2011 at 13:30
Extreme World Races To Provide Logistics Support For Blue Peter's Helen Skelton 800km Record Attempt To South Pole For BBC Sports Relief
Blue Peter's Helen Skelton has today announced that she's to attempt to become the first person to reach the South Pole using skis, kites and even a bike to get there as part of a fundraising initiative for BBC's 2012 Sports Relief campaign. As part of this, Extreme World Races is providing safety guidance, production and logistics support and has worked closely with the BBC over several months to provide a detailed plan for Helen’s 800km attempt across Antarctica.
As part of the infrastructure, production and logistics support, Extreme World races is providing a specially commissioned Arctic Hilux Truck which will help to facilitate different aspects of the production and camerawork needed.
28-year-old Helen starts her Ski, Kite and Ice Bike ride for Sport Relief on January 1. She said: 'The magnitude of this challenge is finally starting to dawn on me. My friends keep pointing out that nobody has ever used a bike to reach the South Pole, possibly because it can't be done! Maybe it can't, but the more people tell me it's impossible the more I think, if I can do this I can look any kid in the eye and say "impossible and difficult are different things".'
Earlier this year Extreme World Races helped Helen undertake a detailed training plan in Iceland to provide her with the perfect preparation as she will face travelling up to 14 hours a day battling 80mph winds; -50C temperatures; and pulling a sledge containing food, equipment and supplies weighing up to 12 stone.
Extreme World Races CEO Tony Martin comments, ‘Following on from our success helping to facilitate and co-ordinate the BBC’s ‘On Thin Ice’ series with Ben Fogle and James Cracknell a couple of years back, we’re delighted to once again be working with the BBC in Antarctica on what will be a fantastic challenge and undoubtedly a great fundraising platform for Sports Relief. Working alongside the network and infrastructure of our own ‘Centenary Race to the South Pole’ we’re delighted to be helping Helen in her record bid.’
Helen's Polar Challenge For Sport Relief will be shown in a nine-week series on Blue Peter starting at the end of January.
Check out Helen’s announcement on CBBC Newsround at http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/16154938 and on BBC Breakfast at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16161062
Posted in Extreme Headlines | South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Press Releases | No Comments
30 November 2011 at 15:34
Extreme World Races Winter Warmer - It’s not too late to grab a place on 2012’s ‘Siberian Black Ice Race’ and ‘Adventure Academy’ Offer!
Don't Miss Out on a World’s first - the multi-discipline ‘Siberian Black Ice Race’ – is the ultimate winter endurance event from EWR. Available to all would be adventurers at an all inclusive price of £1999 (places strictly limited and terms and conditions apply) the race takes place on the World’s oldest and deepest ice lake. Over the course of three weeks in March 2012, 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 -40 degrees 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, Marathon competitors will complete their 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.
Complement your race preparation with a week’s training in January 2012 at EWR’s legendary EWR Adventure Academy...
Hosted by EWR’s world-beating team of expert Polar survival instructors, would-be explorers are invited to experience the amazing new training facility in Norway.
This is far from a holiday, however. An EWR Adventure Academy was used by the Royal Marines for arctic training and the entrants to the forthcoming Centenary Race to the South Pole – a gruelling 777km race across Antarctica on the centenary anniversary of Captain Scott’s epic journey later this year.
Celebrity explorers including Ben Fogle, James Cracknell and Jonny Lee Miller all previously trained at an EWR Adventure Academy for the BBC One series ‘On Thin Ice’.
Attendees will be taken through a comprehensive training programme which may include; mini-expeditions, cross-country skiing, ice hole training, pulk-dragging techniques, night-skiing, ice-breaking, cooking in extreme conditions, sleeping in expedition-style tents in the Norwegian mountains; and essential information on how to survive in the one of the highest, driest and coldest deserts on earth - all delivered by the world’s leading polar survival experts.
Call one of the EWR team on 01285 860440 to find out more and book your place. Look forward to seeing you there!
Tags: Baikal | Adventure Academy
Posted in Extreme Headlines | Siberian Ice Race | 2012. Lake Baikal | Adventure Academy | Press Releases | No Comments
25 November 2011 at 18:18
Midday GMT, Tuesday 22 November, Tony Martin, our CEO began his attempt to undertake the world’s first double traverse of Antarctica. Undertaking this historical attempt - an extraordinary challenge – Tony and the EWR advance team aim to complete a pioneering 7000km return crossing of the entire length of Antarctica by specially adapted Toyota Hilux 6x6 truck.
Throughout this journey we’ll bring you Tony’s updates and images to keep you posted on how it’s all going….
Day 1 - It’s on! Tuesday 22.11.11 EWR CEO Tony Martin reports…
Hello Guys we have just left from the edge of the continent on the way to the South Pole and beyond... starting off from the coast near Novo or aim is to drive to the South Pole then head towards Scott’s hut near McMurdo on the other coat. Several weeks and seven thousand kilometres of driving to go!
Day 2 - Wednesday 23.11.11
We are now at 3332 meters with a huge LOW in the atmosphere so a storm is coming. We had next to no visibility today and it's hard going. Planning 300 to 400 km tomorrow. We are currently camped at the Mia site on the way to the pole. The temperature is minus 21 when we went to bed a taste of what’s to come.
Driving across this huge desert, we bumped into two kite skiers doing a record attempt led by Eric McNaire...
Day 3 - Thursday 24.11.11
DAY 3 finished and we are at S76 20.161 E011 59.339 It’s been a very hard and frustrating day crossing our least favourite part of Antarctica. WE have been on the highest plateau around 3300 m all day and in this location at this height the air steals about 22% of the vehicle power. That said we have covered a fair distance and have no reported problems. Tomorrow we descend slowly. Driving this particular part is like driving on a frozen ocean of white Ice. Nothing to see in any direction but ocean, where is the land?
Posted in Extreme Headlines | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | South Pole | Press Releases | No Comments
22 November 2011 at 13:38
At midday GMT, Tuesday 22 November, Tony Martin, CEO of ultra-endurance pioneers Extreme World Races begins the world’s first 'double traverse' of Antarctica.
In undertaking this historic attempt - an extraordinary challenge – Tony and the EWR advance team aim to complete a pioneering 7000km return crossing of the entire length of Antarctica by specially adapted Toyota Hilux 6x6 truck, including Captain Scott’s infamous route via the Beardmore Glacier..
Never before attempted, EWR are commemorating Captain Scott’s centenary year by faithfully following the iconic explorer’s route via the Beardmore Glacier, before making the return journey – a distance of nearly 3500km each way.
At the forefront of advances in polar exploration since 2003, EWR, have developed a revolutionary network of Toyota Hilux vehicles in partnership with Norway-based Arctic Trucks.
Tony Martin, CEO and Founder of Extreme World Races; ‘since 2003, we have been developing our network of Hilux vehicles to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally sensitive exploration in Antarctica. EWR are the only operation with the infrastructure to be able to attempt this route and it will be both an honour and the realization of a personal dream of mine, to be able to attempt the famed double traverse on the Centenary of Captain Scott’s journey.
Looking to the future, we believe our use of the specially adapted Arctic Hilux trucks is the most environmentally and economically sound way for connecting research bases, than the current transportation network'.
With world-beating fuel efficiency, higher load capacity and improved towing ability, plus extra-large deck for carrying support teams and the extensive equipment required for survival in these conditions; the new AT44 6x6 is the ultimate off-roader and the only vehicle capable of performing to this level in this harshest of tests.
Introduced by EWR in 2009, these incredible vehicles have been painstakingly designed and tested to offer the ultimate balance of the most extreme performance with the minimum environmental impact.
As a result, EWR have been responsible for providing logistics on major projects including the legendary Top Gear Polar Challenge and BBC’s On Thin Ice Series with Ben Fogle and James Cracknell and EWR’s polar expertise and infrastructure is now world-renowned.
EWR are currently in Antarctica planning the logistics required for the upcoming ‘Centenary Race to the South Pole’which commences on New years day 2012 with teams from around the globe taking part.
With temperatures of -50 degrees, winds of 80 mph and deadly crevasses up to a kilometre deep, this is one of the most dangerous places on the planet. Immortalised by Captain Scott’s epic and ultimately tragic expedition 100 years ago, Antarctica remains one of the world’s last great wildernesses and this treacherous journey will push the boundaries of polar exploration to its very limits.
Posted in Extreme Headlines | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | No Comments
18 November 2011 at 17:43
Postcard from the Pole - Part 2 Toilet Troubles
EWR latest report from Novo Base Camp Novo as preparation builds for the Centenary Race to the South Pole
Friday 18 November… the 2011 South Pole Centenary Race is really beginning to take shape as our EWR advance party has been busily getting ready all aspects of the camp that will welcome our competitors…
Some jobs are more important that others even when it’s -20’. Despite the weather turning for the worst and temperatures hovering around the -20’s with 20 knot winds, one of the most important jobs was completed this week - after six hours, four replacement poles, one saw, numerous grazed knuckles, and a bent spade - the toilet tent was finally completed!
Observing throughout the 'leave nothing behind' policy in the Antarctic region, we have to prepare for the removal of all our waste afterwards. The only downside being the EWR advance party had to curse, chisel and hack through three feet of ice to bury not one but two barrels below the toilet tent. The honorary throne though is now installed and after climbing through the double skinned tent wall, all our competitors will have the comfort of being able to sit back in private and think about what lies ahead for them before they leave on their own journey South.
Other notable activities this week - considering the conditions - included unloading a further support vehicle - looking rather comical - its small front wheels completely out of scale with the rest of it, had been put on temporarily for the journey to allow it fit in the belly of the giant Ilyushin. Slowly but surely the safety network is coming together.
Another job completed is the putting together of the skis all our competitors will use. Really you might ask? Unlike conventional ski set ups that one may find on the slopes in Europe, skis for use in Antarctica are slightly different. The bindings that are used have to be strong enough to take the abuse of dragging the pulks up onto the plateau and southwards yet also not constrict the blood flow to the feet in the extreme cold.
The bottom of the skis also have 'skins' attached which are as the name suggest akin to an animals skin that is smooth in one direction and rough in the other – real animal skins used to be used but these days all skins are of a synthetic style. The idea being that when added traction is needed during the climb onto the plateau with a fully loaded pulk the skis will grip and allow further progress. Putting this together is slow and steady work but with all skis now ready, it won’t be long before most if not all of them will be shuffling their way southwards to the bottom of the world.
Posted in Extreme Headlines | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | 4 Comments »
10 November 2011 at 15:14
EWR AND TV PRODUCTION COMPANY URBAN BREW STUDIOS PARTNER FOR CENTENARY RACE TO THE SOUTH POLE
Ultra-endurance pioneers Extreme World Races are delighted to announce Johannesburg-based production company, Urban Brew Studios, as film and media production partners for the toughest endurance race on the planet, the Centenary Race to the South Pole, due to start in December this year.
One hundred years ago, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen beat fellow explorer Robert Falcon Scott in a race to be the first man to reach the South Pole. Arriving 35 days after Amundsen, Scott and his team perished on their way back, whilst Amundsen returned to his native Norway a hero. Extreme World Races are providing the unique chance for 16 brave competitors from six nations to relive this iconic duel, and Urban Brew Studios will be producing a four-part documentary series, entitled Cold Sweat, to cover the epic event.
EWR are famous for organising races and events in the world’s toughest environments that capture the imagination of millions, such as BBC’s On Thin Ice Series and Top Gear’s Polar Challenge; the Centenary Race to the South Pole is set to be the most challenging and exciting yet..
Serving as a fitting centenary celebration of Amundsen and Scott’s first momentous encounter, Cold Sweat , while covering the race will, more significantly,pay tribute to the power of the human spirit and explore the ever-increasing pressures facing the Antarctic today: this is a race between the continent and time – Global Warming; a race between the environment and humans – Survival; a race between fear and bravery – The Human Spirit; a race between reason and passion – The Human Condition; and a race between individuals – The Human Need for Competition.
Cold Sweat will focus on the very personal journeys of two South African competitors, braving the unknown, tempting fate, and making history at the end of the world.
As they follow in the footsteps of previous Antarctic explorers, they will reflect on those who made it out alive, and contemplate the stories of heroism of those who didn’t. This is undoubtedly going to be an exercise in extreme endurance; only for the serious explorer that craves the call of the wild; who is willing to put life and limb at nature’s mercy in a quest to be the bravest and the best.
Tony Martin, CEO of Extreme World Races, comments: "We’re delighted to be partnering with Urban Brew Studios. Having most recently worked with the BBC in the UK for the ‘On Thin Ice’ series and ZDF and ODF in the German and Austrian TV market for the last South Pole Race, this represents the next exciting step for Extreme World Races in creating innovative new TV formats for a global market. The Centenary Race to the South Pole is just the beginning as we look to combine our logistics expertise with Urban Brew Studios' TV pedigree.”
Danie Ferreira, executive producer at Urban Brew Studios, says "Cold Sweat will give viewers the precious opportunity to experience the extraordinary achievements of extraordinary people; to partake in both the pain and the glory; to feel the pride and the joy; and to marvel at the momentous".
Tags: television | Centenary Race to the South Pole |
Posted in Extreme Headlines | South Pole | No Comments
05 November 2011 at 08:17
"Success" Advance party landed on a Blue Ice run way at 04.05 this morning.
The first flight into Antarctica this season. The base camp will be constructed ready for the competitors who arrive on the 19th December. The race is on!!!!
Posted in South Pole | 2011. Race to the Pole. Scott v Amundsen Centenary | Extreme Headlines | 1 Comments »
02 November 2011 at 10:20
Ultra-racing pioneers Extreme World Races have launched Gear Store, a new place for adventurers to get their hands on some of the best specialist kit in the business.
Operating in some of the world’s coldest environments and famous for organising races to the South Pole, magnetic North Pole and for television productions including BBC’s On Thin Ice Series and Top Gear’s Polar Challenge; EWR staff and competitors have tried and tested a huge range of clothing over the years.
Using this combined knowledge, EWR have designed an initial range to offer the best in cold weather clothing for all explorers and adventurers.
Just in time for Xmas, new EWR Gift Vouchers of £5 to £100 are also now available for purchase and are set to be a hit for the coming festive season.
Why not visit the Gear Store now and take a look around.. http://www.extremeworldraces.com/store/
For further information about Extreme World Races please call 020 7225 6421, visit www.extremeworldraces.com or check out www.vimeo.co/ewr or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/extremeraces
Tags: Gear Store | Gift Vouchers
Posted in Training | Extreme Headlines | No Comments
