05 April 2012 at 09:33
We have welcomed home our record-breaking pioneers!
Described as ‘Longer than England, colder than vodka and harder than granite’, competitors have completed the World’s First Multi-Discipline Race across Lake Baikal, Siberia.
Competitors from America to Russia, Kiters to Runners, took part in the Race across Lake Baikal; the World’s oldest and deepest ice lake and billed as ‘the World’s most terrifying lake’ with an eerily spooky covering of black tormented ice.
Competing in either the 155 mile ‘Sprint’ or 375 mile ‘Marathon’ the racers started in the ancient Cossack city of Irkutsk, Siberia and journeyed in one of the World’s most beautiful wildernesses.
But it was by no means an easy challenge despite being in a stunning part of the World. Extreme World Races pride themselves on the best safety network and quickly had to deal with the various challenges of the Race; dealing with hypothermia, frostbite, fractures, broken bones, sheer exhaustion and one team even burning down their tent.
Tony Martin, Race Organiser andCEO of Extreme World Races; “The participants didn’t realise how intense it would be. This is truly the toughest challenge. It is not to be taken lightly but offers some incredible rewards. This marvel of nature is truly a destination that everyone should visit, the race went well, the competitors are safely home and mother nature was kind to us.”
The three Russian locals took early leads and ultimately secured 1st places for the two disciplines and 2nd for the Sprint distance but the UK competitors certainly held their own.
Just one such competitor was Maria Leijerstam -the first female competitor to cross the line, second overall for the ‘Marathon’ distance. She completed the 379 miles on her specially constructed bike in an amazing 7 days – just 3 days after the 1st place competitor Evgeny; a member of the Russian Mountaineering Team, CycleCross Champion and Instructor who has lived in Irkutsk all his life.
1857.jpg "Maria Leijerstam")
Maria says: “On a few days the wind was so fierce that I simply could not stay on the bike as it was blown from underneath me. On other days I was having to work really hard as I peddled through deep snow fields. Only occasionally I was able to enjoy a tail wind on pure unbroken ice. It was a race of massive extremes."
Equally a huge congratulations to all of our racers - no matter where you placed you all did an amazing job. You were all pioneers the moment you filled out the application form.
If you have a similar sense of adventure and are inspired to compete in one of our races applications are now being taken for the 2013 Siberian Black Ice Race. We have already got numerous applications but there is a cap on the amount of people so make sure you sign up asap to avoid disappointment!
Competitors will have to be self-sufficient on the ice with temperatures as low as -40 degrees C and winds of up to 100km/h. Travel categories include feasible non-motorised methods of travel: by foot, bike, ski’s and kite.
Extreme World Races (EWR) are holding an Open Day on Saturday 14th April, 2012 in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. This is a perfect way to learn more about EWR, the once-in-a-lifetime races that they offer and the staff that run them in an informal setting.
Visit our website to sign up or call one of the friendly team on +44 (0)1285 860440 for more information about anything to do with Extreme World Races and to start your journey and Achieve the Extraordinary.
Tags: congratulations | siberian black ice race | lake baikal | 2012 | world's first
Posted in 2012. Lake Baikal | Press Releases | No Comments
25 January 2012 at 12:33
Welcome to the January issue of the EWR Newsletter
What a year it’s been already! A season of incredible accomplishments for Extreme World Races and all those associated and still it continues to deliver...
Our iconic and epic Centenary Race to the South Pole has reached its incredibly dramatic conclusion; we confirm our position as THE ultra-endurance experts in providing logistics support for Helen Skelton’s BBC Sport Relief Expedition; EWR's top instructor Felicity Aston has become the first woman to ski alone across Antarctica; final preparations are now fully underway for March’s Siberian Black Ice Race 2012; and that’s not forgetting our just completed Adventure Academy in Norway….phew...and it’s only January!
Read on to find out more and catch up on all the latest news from the world of adventure travel.
Norwegians Win EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole
Extreme World Races/Urban Brew
If you’ve been reading our daily online updates from Antarctica, you probably already know but just as they did a hundred years ago, the Norwegians have shown their dominance in polar racing as Norwegian Team, Team FRAMdrift, have won the EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole.
With a commanding lead over the rest of the field including Welsh and English teams, Norwegians Erlend Gray, 28, Harvard Svidal, 35, and Mathias Seim, 23, were able to maintain a consistently impressive pace towards the finish line, completing the race comfortably ahead of the other teams competing.
In what is the Centenary year of Captain Scott’s epic journey to reach the South Pole, Team FRAMdrift have successfully covered the 745km gruelling race across Antarctica ahead of the remaining teams including Welsh team Mercury and English team Centrepoint (team patron HRH Prince William), completing the race in a time of 15 days, 9 hours, 31 minutes.
Team FRAMdrift commented; ‘It has been a lifelong dream to come to Antarctica, and to fulfil it in this manner. As a Norwegian winning this race on the centennial anniversary of Amundsen and Scott is more than we can comprehend at the moment. We'd like to thank our friends and family for all the support they have given us as well as all the good Samaritans out there who have helped us on our way to reach our goal. We'd also like to thank EWR and its staff for giving us this amazing opportunity. It was an incredibly hard and tough journey, but one we'll never forget.’
Set in the stunning landscape of the coldest, driest and highest deserts on earth, the EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole is inspired by the 100th Anniversary of the original Antarctic challenge between Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen.
Extreme World Races/Urban Brew
Extreme World Races are currently planning Polar Challenges to the North Pole in 2012 and 2013 – if you think you have what it takes to race to the top of the world and take on the world’s finest polar athletes, or if you would like to speak to one of our team about our bespoke packages, please call +44 (0) 185 860440 or visit www.extremeworldraces.com
Lining up alongside the Centenary Race this year has been our very own special guest, Blue Peter’s Helen Skelton, in her bid to reach the South Pole by bike, ski and kite-ski for the most ambitious BBC Sports Relief challenge yet. Earlier this year we were delighted to be approached to provide her and the BBC Team with all the logistics and production support needed.
EWR are of course proud and delighted to have been at the heart of Helen’s attempt this year, building on our previous TV logistics projects that have included Ben Fogle and James Cracknell for BBC’s On Thin Ice in 2009 and last year’s Germany vs Austria TV series covering their race to the South Pole.
More details here on how Helen successfully achieved her record attempt, courtesy of BBC News 22.1.12....
‘Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton has completed a 500-mile (800km) trek to the South Pole - on skis, kite skis and an ice bike.
The TV star battled for 18 days through severe snow storms, temperatures as low as -48C and a bad bout of dehydration.
She said her body hurt in countless places, but finishing the challenge for Sport Relief felt "incredible".
The 28-year-old also set a new world record for the fastest 100km by kite ski - in seven hours 28 minutes.
"The environment is so harsh and on a day when you can get sunburn, you can also get frostbite," she said.
"I could feel my ears burning through my helmet because of the wind.
This has been a massive adventure and at times it felt like it was never going to end.”
Helen completed;
• 30 nights camping on ice
• 50 rations of dehydrated food consumed
• 15 metres of medical tape used on feet
• One wash (with sock and bucket of water)
• One change of underwear
"My body hurts in so many different places, mentally I'm exhausted and I've only washed once in the last 30 days, so to be finally standing at the Pole feels incredible."
Skelton became the first person to use a bike - with specially adapted wide tyres - as part of an expedition to the Pole.
She covered 329 miles by kite ski, 103 by bike, and 68 by cross-country ski.
She pulled a sledge containing her supplies that weighed a total of 82kg (13 stone).
The adventurer suffered numerous blisters, a hacking cough, and ongoing stomach troubles during the trek with Norwegian explorer Niklas Norman, a small BBC team and a logistics crew.
British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes said: "I take my hat off to Helen Skelton. I have to admit when she first told me that she was going to cycle part of the way to the South Pole, I laughed.
"But through pure grit and determination she has got there and shown that, yes, you can use a bike to reach the Pole. Her incredible efforts are a great example of willpower."
Her latest adventure follows her successful high-wire walk between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station, in London, and a solo kayak voyage down the length of the Amazon.
To find out more about Sport Relief 2012 and enter a Sport Relief Mile go to bbc.co.uk/sportrelief
Helen's Polar Challenge for Sport Relief will be shown in a special nine-week series on Blue Peter starting on 23 January at 1630 GMT on BBC One.’
Get Set For The 2013 EWR Adventure Academy in Norway – The Ultimate Adventure Training Camp
After the huge success of this month’s Adventure Academy, EWR's specialist training facility in Hjerkinn, Norway, places are going fast for 2013’s exhilarating program.
This year’s EWR Adventure Academy – a specialist environment created by EWR, which uniquely replicates challenging extreme cold environments - ran from 14th-20th January 2012 and was the most action-packed Academy yet. The acclaimed facility hosted 20 adventurers of the future who relished the chance to meet EWR’s unrivalled team of polar experts and to face the harsh reality of life as an explorer.
The attendees were certainly in great company - the EWR Adventure Academy was used by the Royal Marines for arctic training, in addition to entrants to the current Centenary Race to the South Pole. Celebrity explorers including Ben Fogle, James Cracknell and Jonny Lee Miller also all previously trained at the facility for the BBC One series ‘On Thin Ice’.
Attendees were taken through a comprehensive training programme including 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 under the guidance of one of the world’s leading polar survival teams.
In 2013, EWR invites all aspiring explorers to experience the acclaimed facility for themselves and have put together a fantastic package to prepare you for whatever adventures you have planned..
The 2013 Adventure Academy Package includes:
Five full days of expert instruction by our experience instructors
Formal preparation lectures
3 day Mini Expedition and logistics support
Full board and lodging (not including any alcohol!)
EWRs legendary ice breaking exercise
Don’t miss out! For prices, availability and further details, email info@extremeworldraces.com or call +44 (0) 1285 860440.
EWR Announce Reduced Rate Offer For Final 25 Remaining Places on the Siberian Black Ice Race 2012 - £1250*
Siberia, March 2012….the infamous Lake Baikal for the world’s most terrifying race & challenge of a lifetime…
EWR has just announced your last chance to guarantee a place on the world’s first, multi-discipline ‘Siberian Black Ice Race’ across Lake Baikal - the ultimate winter endurance event at a last minute rate of just £1,250 - for the first 25 confirmed places only. This includes Trans Siberian Express finale for all Marathon entrants* (*terms and conditions apply.)
Racing the world’s oldest and deepest lake in Siberia this March you will get the chance to take on the world’s finest adventure athletes…are you ready for the challenge? 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.
Terms and conditions apply and availability is strictly limited–flights, visas, kit and accommodation are not included. Please see www.extremeworldraces.com or call 01285 860 440 for further information, terms and help in arranging any aspect of your trip.
Starting your journey in the ancient Cossack city of Irkutsk you will compete 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 have the opportunity to complete your Siberian experience with a memorable journey on the legendary trans-Siberian Express* (* for Marathon entrants). As the longest and most iconic rail journey in the world, the Trans-Siberian is one of the great adventures in travel. Winding through vast wildernesses, magical landmarks and a myriad of cultures, there is no better way to cap what is set to be one of the most epic experiences on the planet.
Summary of Race Dates and Information
PAYMENT DEADLINE 10.02.12
• 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 (subject to availability)
• Disciplines: Walk, Cycle, Run, Ski, skate, kite ski and kite buggy
*Offer applies for race entry ONLY to both race formats. Flights, accommodation, visas and kit not included. Prices are subject to change and availability is strictly limited. For further information, terms and further details or for any aspect of support in co-ordinating your travel arrangements please call +44 (0) 1285 860 440
EWR CEO Tony Martin looks ahead to EWR’s biggest year yet…
EWR Siberian Black Ice Race 2012
This is going to be one of my absolute highlights in 2012. Having been to Lake Baikal and experienced the majestic landscape and infamous frozen lake, I know what a challenge our racers are going to face here. We are confident this is going to be the ‘most terrifying race on the planet’ and I would urge any adventurer to experience this once in their lives. We have just released the last 25 places, however, so there’s not much time left to secure your starting position.
Polar Challenge 2013/4
This is our classic race - a very different challenge to the South Pole, requiring a whole different set of skills, but it is equally as rewarding. Always a massive success, we are accepting submissions from competitors for 2013, so get your name down now if you want to reach the top of the world.
Adventure Academy 2013
The conditions at our Adventure Academy in this very special part of Norway simulate the polar environment very closely and attendees will receive invaluable training in how to survive at the extremes of human endurance. For anyone thinking about attempting a personal challenge in 2012/13, there is no better way to prepare.
Three Cheers For Felicity Aston! Our Very Own Antarctic Hero..
Felicity Aston/KarperskyONE
EWR's top Instructor Felicity Aston has become the first woman to ski alone across Antarctica and reached Hercules Inlet after 59 days and 1744km.
Felicity’s ‘Kaspersky ONE Trans-Antarctic Expedition’ was a landmark solo expedition and a world first. British explorer and EWR instructor, Felicity (33), embarked on her 65-day ski journey in order to become the first woman in the world to cross the Antarctic alone. However, the journey was about more than records. The expedition aimed to instil a spirit of adventure, aspiration and innovation as well as understand more about what motivates individuals to achieve.
Felicity flew into Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile and then on to the Ross Ice Shelf at the foot of the Leverett Glacier from where she began her journey. Skiing up the Leverett Glacier, through the Transantarctic mountains, she climbed onto the Polar Plateau and headed for the South Pole. After collecting a resupply of food and fuel at the Pole, Felicity continued across the Polar Plateau to the coast of Antarctica at the edge of the Ronne Ice Shelf. Arriving at Hercules Inlet, Felicity had traversed the entire Antarctic continent.
Of her incredible achievement, Felicity said: "I cannot express how happy I am to have finally made it. I prepared for it physically and mentally for a very long time. And finally here I am having reached my final destination, having got through some severe conditions, but most importantly of all having overcome my own fear."
We are all very proud of her and look forward to welcoming her home safely. Visit her blog at http://www.kasperskyonetransantarcticexpedition.com
So that’s it til next time. Don’t forget it’s not too late to get your places for the Siberian Black Ice Race 2012. Call us any time on +44 (0) 1285 860445 if you’d like to discuss this or any of our exciting programme of events and remember to always… Achieve the Extraordinary!
Tags: January Newsletter | Centenary Race | News | Lake Baikal | Feicity Aston
Posted in Extreme Races | No Comments
20 October 2011 at 16:26
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 extended until further notice following phenomenal demand (terms and conditions apply).
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
Notes to Editors: Extreme World Races
· Founded by ex-soldier, adventurer and entrepreneur, Tony Martin, Extreme World Races is famous around the world for organising races at the extremes of human performance, in the most hostile environments of sea, air and land on the planet.
· With seminal forthcoming races in 2011 including the EWR Centenary Race to the South Pole, the Polar Challenge to the North Pole and the world’s first ever multi-discipline race across the infamous Lake Baikal in Siberia, Extreme World Races has pioneered the recent phenomenal growth in ultra-extreme adventure sports.
· Founded in 2003, the company has grown rapidly to become a major international phenomenon. From the first ever organized race to the South Pole, to facilitating BBC Top Gear’s legendary Polar Challenge, Extreme World Races are now transmitted into 90 million homes worldwide, with plans for even more ambitions challenges in 2011/12.
· With a proven record of successful races at the extremes of environment and of human achievement, Extreme World Races provides arguably the world's most complete Polar training and support programme. Competitors are provided with fully qualified experts and support team in the field, including doctors, psychologists, nutritionists, extreme condition logistical experts, engineers, drivers and expert physiological and psychological training teams.
· Now attracting thousands of race applications from every year from all over the globe and providing unprecedented sponsorship and affiliation opportunities for a vast range of brands, Extreme World Racing is recognised as the definitive extreme racing challenge.
For media enquiries and interview requests: dan@extremeworldraces.com 020 7225 6420, www.extremeworldraces.com, check out www.vimeo.co/ewr or follow us at www.twitter.com/extremeraces
Tags: Lake Baikal | Special Offer | Siberia
Posted in Press Releases | 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 »
1690.jpg "Daily Update 3")
