Posts Tagged 'Siberian Black Ice Race'
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
15 March 2012 at 15:45
A fond farewell from Extreme World Races to some of the Siberian Black Ice Competitors
EWR staff today saw off some of the Siberian Black Ice Racers from London Heathrow. They now have a long trip ahead of them before they arrived in Irkutsk ready for the start of the World's First Multi-Discipline Race across Lake Baikal, Siberia.
After a 'testing' baggage check in (!) all the competitors were nervously excited about what was ahead of them. As a World's First Race, the racers were all swapping notes with one and another about the unkowns of packing and preparation.
It is going to be a phenominal challenge for all and truly an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We wish them all the best of luck and we look forward to catching up with them all upon their return.
For all the up to date information, blogs and mapping of the competitors' progress visit the Siberian Black Ice Race Progress page.
If you are inspired by what you see, applications for the 2013 Siberian Black Ice Race are already been taken so book soon to secure your place!
Tags: Siberian Black Ice Race
Posted in 2012. Lake Baikal | Press Releases | 4 Comments »
15 March 2012 at 09:00
Hello
It is day 3 of the setup for the Siberian Black Ice Race and we have been busy trying to locate all the equipment we need. We do not usually use local equipment but on this occasion we have opted to source and use local produce. This has been very different and in a lot of cases, very colourful. The tents have been rigged for high winds, the cookers tested and new storage containers designed for snow mobiles and our hovercrafts. The second part of the support team has arrived and are taking a well earned rest before tonight’s briefing...
1690.jpg "Daily Update 3")
Tags: Lake Baikal | Siberian Black Ice Race | Daily Blog
Posted in 2012. Lake Baikal | Press Releases | No Comments
13 March 2012 at 09:00
It is day 2 of the setup and we have spent all day travelling around the city locating equipment and stores. The air temperature is quite warm at - 6 and the snow is actually melting off the old Cossack wooden buildings. We have been working with the local authorities and Water Police (Frozen Water!) to set up the safety network we will use to cover the race. Most of the day was spent purchasing some basic equipment to be used by the mobile support Snowmobile and Hovercraft teams. The team was surprised to bump into one of the German teams competing who have arrived early and were wandering around the local markets taking in some sight seeing. The guys are looking forward to undertaking a traditional Russian style Sauna later this evening to relax and unwind.
Tags: Lake Baikal | Siberian Black Ice Race
Posted in 2012. Lake Baikal | Press Releases | No Comments
12 March 2012 at 10:09
The Siberian Black Ice Race Support Team Have Arrived in Irkutsk!
Throughout the next 4 weeks, daily blogs will be up keeping you up to date with all the logistical behind-the-scenes information and news on all the Competitors.
Day One Staff Update:
The advance team have arrived safely in Irkutsk (12th March) and are preparing for the start on the 17th March.
After establishing a base camp at the Zvezda Hotel and re-establishing internal contacts, the team set about race set up. We have acquired snow machines, hovercraft and 4 x 4 vehicles to support the race and are securing all transportation requirements. Film crews, doctors and safety teams are on their way to join us over the next 3 days.
The competitors from many nations are also completing final preparations and will soon be on their way to Irkutsk for the Inaugural Black Ice Race.
Tags: Daily Blog | Lake Baikal | SIberian Black Ice Race
Posted in 2012. Lake Baikal | Press Releases | 1 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 »
19 July 2011 at 11:30
Press Release. For immediate release.
EWR’s ‘Siberian Black Ice Race’ ‘twice as hard as Marathon des Sables’
Extreme World Races announces world’s first multi-discipline race across Lake Baikal, Siberia, as CEO Tony Martin declares it ‘twice as hard as the Marathon des Sables’…
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...”
EWR’s ‘Siberian Black Ice Race’, the ultimate winter endurance event, is set to take place on the world’s oldest and deepest ice lake, in March 2012. Billed as ‘the world’s most terrifying race’, over the course of 2 weeks, competitors will attempt to traverse the treacherous black ice that covers this unique tormented lake…
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.
Stepping out onto the frozen ice of tormented Lake Baikal
Competitors race either the 155 mile ‘Sprint’ or 379 mile ‘Marathon’ by bike, ski, foot or kite-ski.
One of the world’s most beautiful and treacherous wildernesses, this is an entirely new category of endurance racing for those who wish to experience the unique challenge of racing on ice in Siberia.
Extreme World Races provides full race support with Arctic Trucks and checkpoints along the route. Competitors are responsible for their own travel and equipment.
Key Facts
Race Name: The Siberian Black Ice Race
Country: Russian Federation
Area: Lake Baikal
Venue: Irkutsk
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: 14 days maximum/Siberian Black Ice Sprint: 7 days maximum
Classes: Male, Female, Mixed, Veterans
Designed For: Experienced adventurers looking to push their limits
No. of Places: 30
Distances: Siberian Black Ice Race: 379 miles/Siberian 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: Siberian Black Ice Race: £2700 excluding flights and travel costs
Siberian Black Ice Sprint: £2100 excluding flights and travel costs
Training: For an additional fee, competitors can apply to attend the world famous Extreme World Races Training Camp in Norway (further details upon request)
Sample Itinerary
Please note the following itinerary is subject to change. For the latest updates, please visit www.extremeworldraces.com
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DATE
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WHERE
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WHAT
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NOTES
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16th March
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Irkutsk
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Meet and greet, Pre-race preparation, competitor essential kit check, race rules and plan, Safety and Logistics presentation
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All competitors must attend – pen and paper required as well as have race kit available for inspection
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17th March
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Lake Baikal
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Breakfast. Race start – 0900hrs approx.
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Shuttles from Hotel down to Lake Baikal ready for Race start – no delays!
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24th March
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Sprint Finish (155 miles)
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Cut off for the Sprint race – Shuttle back to hotel in Irkutsk
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Daily Shuttle bus back to hotel in Irkutsk (if it’s missed, camp overnight and catch the following day!)
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31st March
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Marathon Finish (379 miles)
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Cut off for Marathon race – Train every other day back to Irkutsk – 31 hour journey
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Train every other day – if it’s missed, you camp and wait for the next one! Journey is 31 hours return back to Irkutsk
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Various dates
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Hotel, Irkutsk
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Return, de-rig, return rental kit, pack and leave for home
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All equipment is sorted, any rental equipment is checked and returned
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Tags: Siberian Black Ice Race
Posted in 2012. Lake Baikal | Press Releases | No Comments
