Archive for the 'Siberian Ice Race' Category
16 April 2012 at 08:00
We are very pleased to announce the final placings for the Siberian Black Ice Race 2012 competitors.
Remember though, wherever you came you all did an amazing job and made history on the World's First Siberian Black Ice Race!
SPRINT - overall
1st: Alexander Ulitin
2nd: Alexander Zhilinsky
3rd: Joey Kelly (*1st on foot)
4th: Team Health and Safety Gone Mad (*2nd on foot)
5th: Kevin McDonald (*3rd on foot)
MARATHON - overall
1st: Evgeny Glazunov
2nd: Maria Leijerstam, Mat Webb and Jez Heys
3rd: Tim Wilks (*1st on foot)
4th: Bruce Manning
5th: Gary Bullen
6th: Antonio de la Rosa (*2nd on foot)
7th: Neil Foote (*3rd on foot)
8th: Anastasia Kim
Posted in Siberian Ice Race | 2012. Lake Baikal | 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
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 »
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 »
25 July 2011 at 13:47
Spring is the typical time for awards season in the film industry but this coming year shall see a new addition as the world of Antarctic and polar adventure has its very own exciting ceremony for the very first time.
Celebrating 10 years of EWR and our achievement of creating the toughest races around the globe, we're delighted to announce all of our former race alumni are duly invited to an exciting new black tie, red carpet Awards party.
This is once in a lifetime opportunity to meet all your fellow racers who've previously competed in the Polar Challenge, South Pole Race, the Belize challenge should not be missed. At this exclusive 'family' reunion, in true (CEO) Tony Martin style, you can expect the unexpected so don't be the only one who is not there!
Over the coming months, we will announce a series of special guests; commemorative award categories to vote on; an extra special host to manage the night's proceedings; and details of a truly impressive venue.
Invites to this landmark night are for former EWR adventurers only so don't miss out on and register your interest now on what is set to become an annual landmark occasion for the adventure industry. Celebrating our 10th anniversary this memorable evening will commemorate the history of Extreme World Races & the fantastic achievements of all our former participants.
Find out how you can secure your place on this once-in-a-life-time night and register your details now with polarelitefoundation@extremeworldraces.com. Monthly bulletins will be sent out to announce all aspects of the Oscars of Adventure. Tickets are £95pp.
Venue: London TBC Date: 16th June 2012 Dress: Black Tie
Posted in Extreme Headlines | The Human Races | South Pole | North Pole | Siberian Ice Race | Extreme Races | About EWR | No Comments
06 July 2011 at 08:55
As Extreme World Races launch the Siberian Black Ice Race, CEO Tony Martin is interviewed on BBC Radio and describes "the world's most terrifying race".
The world's first multi-discipline race on the world's oldest, deepest lake in March 2012 was the title feature on the Claire Carter Show on BBC Radio Gloucestershire on 02.07.11, as Martin challenged listeners to brave the arctic conditions.
"We can train anyone to race - it's a state of mind", he said, "our races are 90% mental endurance". Martin, who designed the race across the frozen length of Lake Baikal, describes it as; “Longer than England, colder than vodka and harder than granite! Our Siberian Black Ice Race is a challenge that can break even the toughest of the tough - the Marathon des Sables is a walk in the park compared to this...”
Whoever is brave enough to compete will have to be self-sufficient on the ice with temperatures as low as -40•C and winds of up to 200km/h. Competitors race either the 155 mile ‘Sprint’ or 379 mile ‘Marathon’ by bike, ski, foot or kite-ski.
To listen to the full interview, visit Radio Gloucestershire and Claire Carter's page on BBC.co.uk/iplayer
Posted in Extreme Headlines | Siberian Ice Race | Extreme Races | About EWR | No Comments
02 June 2011 at 13:01
Extreme World Races are proud to announce the world’s first ever multi-discipline race over Lake Baikal, Siberia. The world’s oldest and deepest lake.
Based on EWR’s legendary North and South Pole Races, competitors will have the choice of either the 155 mile “Sprint” or 379 mile “Marathon” on the frozen Lake Baikal, Siberia by bike, ski, foot or kite-ski.
‘The EWR Siberian Black Ice Race’, the ultimate winter ultra event, is set to take place in the world’s biggest and deepest ice lake, in March 2012. This is an entirely new category of endurance racing for those who wish to experience the challenge of racing on ice in Siberia, one of the world’s most beautiful but harshest wildernesses.
Key Facts
Country: Russian Federation
Area: Lake Baikal
Venue: Irkutsk
Dates: March 2012
Start Time: 12.00
Duration: Black Ice Race: 10-12 days
Black Ice Sprint: 4 days
Classes: Male, Female, Mixed, Veterans
Suitable For: Experienced
No. of Places: 25
Distances: Black Ice Race: 379 miles
Black Ice Sprint: 155 miles
Disciplines: Trail Running/Walking, Mountain Trek/Run, Navigation, Mountain Biking, X-Country Skiing, Snow Shoeing, kite skiing, skating
Entry Fee: On request
Training: For an additional fee, competitors can apply to attend the world famous Extreme World Races Training Camp in Norway. Cost £895 email info@extremeworldraces.com for more information.
Posted in Extreme Headlines | Siberian Ice Race | 2012. Lake Baikal | Extreme Races | No Comments
19 May 2011 at 08:31
Get hands on with... Kite Skiing
Multi-Discipline Ultra-Marathon across the world’s oldest and deepest lake.
Supporting the launch of our exciting new race – this is the first instalment of our multi-discipline series. In this article we will be focussing on a mode of transportation that has the potential for extreme speeds. The Kite Ski.
Frozen lakes are the perfect arena for kite skiing. We can think of no better place in the world than Lake Baikal for this, infamous throughout Siberia for its punishing winds. The locals have over 30 names for these and more than often several more to describe their nuances! Travelling on skis with potential speeds of 30mph across metre thick ice could be the ultimate test of nerves.
- Kite-skiing on Lake Baikal
The vast expanse of black ice is an unsettling sight, like staring into the abyss – only to be broken by pressure ridges, ice boulders and rubble. This truly challenging surface is reminiscent of the sea ice found in the High Arctic – only replace the white with black…
To traverse these testing conditions using a kite ski, it goes without saying that you have previous experience of using one! One of the requirements for the race is that you can demonstrate a suitable level of experience, not only in Polar conditions, but with your preferred method of transportation. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that nature can have its own ideas and you must be prepared to travel by other means. This is what makes Lake Baikal a truly multi-discipline event.
Firstly, experience of using a power/ traction kite is a great start. Having experience of how to manage the handling of the kite in variable wind conditions and experience of the muscle groups at work is also an important consideration. Being propelled by wind is a different animal than being under one’s own steam. Kite surfing is a very similar discipline and many of the techniques are transferable to kite skiing. Kites, much like a sail, are designed to propel you in the right direction. With the proper technique and handling this can be achieved and you will be amazed by what is possible.
If you plan on the Black Ice Race being your first extreme cold event do not despair! If you have never experienced extreme cold but wish to participate in the first ever Black Ice Race then get in touch. The Adventure Academy was created with you in mind. Going through the same process of intense classroom and practical training as your Polar counterparts you will leave with the confidence to be self-sufficient and with the ability to withstand what nature can throw at you.
If you are looking at starting kite skiing there are some fantastic resources available on the internet:
http://www.kitesurfingschool.org/kiteskiing.htm - EWR are not responsible for content on external websites.
To be a good kite skier, you need to have a high level of both upper, lower body and left to right coordination and skill.
Agility and balance are required in order to turn and react quickly to changes in both board and wind direction. Strength, power and endurance are other essential physical components and skills needed.
Identifying, assessing and addressing the key physical components of kite skiing is necessary for anyone serious about taking their performance to the next level, whether it be from the beginner to the elite.
Is there a solution to the question of, "How do we train for this kind of sport?" Yes! Address these areas and train them in exercises that assimilate the real life activity.
Almost every action performed by a kite skier involves a balanced and controlled involvement of the upper body, lower body and core.
No single muscle is more dominant or stands out in kite skiing. Instead, there is a need to focus on training movements rather than individual muscles.
You can do this by training multiple body regions and training them for the role for which they are required i.e. strength, coordination power, balance and speed etc. Below is a great exercise to get you started:
- Image copyright Mensfitnessandmore.com
The Body Row Exercise
Muscle Groups Worked – Latissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids, Deltoids, Biceps, Core
Preparation
- Lie under bar so that the bar is at mid-sternum level.
- Activate core with drawing in and pelvic floor contraction.
- Choose appropriate grip (under or overhand).
Movement
- Perform row and lift body towards the bar.
- The bar should meet the mid-sternum.
- Lower slowly to full extension.
Benefits
- Integrated total body training with an emphasis on back and core – for strength and improved function in the pulling motion.
- Great exercise to teach the co-contraction of the core/hip/posterior shoulder girdle musculature to “pull” while stabilizing in the sagittal plane.
Avoid
- Retracting the scapula before pulling yourself up, it should be a smooth action through the scapulo-thoracic joint as you lift yourself towards the bar.
Next steps
In order to get the best out of your training make sure you continually adapt the exercise to keep your body challenged. Here are some ideas on progressions:
- Hand Positions – alternate your hand positions between palms facing you, and away from you, narrow and wide.
- Legs – try raising one leg, once this becomes easy, move it out to the side, making sure your hips stay square.
- Stability – place a swiss ball under your feet whilst performing the exercise, making sure the ball stays still. Once this becomes easy start integrating the above variations.
For any questions about the race or if you wish to speak with one of our experts, please call us on 0207 225 6420 or come along to the EWR Open Day on the 4th June where you can meet our Polar experts and get inspired to Achieve the Extraordinary!
Posted in Extreme Headlines | Siberian Ice Race | 2012. Lake Baikal | Extreme Races | Training | No Comments
15 May 2011 at 16:30
EWR Open Day 4th June 11.30pm
Four Pillars Hotel, Lake 6, Spine Road East, South Cerney, Gloucestershire, GL7 5FP
EWR has decided to open its doors and provide unprecedented access to the world of exploration! This event is expected to fill up quickly so please email info@extremeworldraces.com or call 01285 860440 to reserve your place at this unique event.
Fresh from the 2011 Polar Challenge you can speak with Tony Martin, Conrad Dickinson and Felicity Aston; world renown explorers with a wealth of knowledge to share and inspire. It will be a fun informative day and you can expect:
- Meet Extreme World Races’ pioneering founder, adventurer and entrepreneur, Tony Martin. Who is ready to take your questions through the day.
- Light refreshments and buffet lunch.
- EWR Gift Bag
- Any individual who attends the open day will receive a 5% discount off their race entry fee if you signup within 4 weeks!
Open Day Schedule:
- 12.00 -13.00 Polar Challenge
- 13.30 - 14.30 Centenary Race to the South Pole
- 14.30 - 15.30 Black Ice Race
- 15.30 Questions and Answers with Extreme World Races Survival Experts
Remember this event will fill up quickly so please email info@extremeworldraces.com or call 01285 860440 to reserve your place at this unique event.
For directions please call or use the map provided:
View Larger Map
Posted in Extreme Headlines | South Pole | North Pole | Siberian Ice Race | Extreme Races | No Comments
