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BARC All Set For Caernarfon

Rob / 17.09.2003

On September 28th the second British Adventure Racing Championship Final will start where the inaugural race finished off last year, in the Welsh castle town of Caernarfon at the entrance to the Menai Strait.

The stage race format that was so successful in 2002 will be retained, allowing teams of varying ability to take part, and everyone can expect to get at least a few hours sleep each night. “I’ve tried to incorporate elements of each of the qualifying races once again”, said Race Director Brian Elliot, “and there will be a spectacular finish and something new for everyone, including mountain biking at a location not used before.” He wasn’t saying any more though and teams will have to wait until the afternoon prior to the race to find out exactly what lies ahead.

After 5 points scoring races in the BARC series, ranging from Dartmoor in May to Scotland in September, it looks like the Championship will be decided between two teams, Saab Salomon GB and Thorlo One (formerly Team One). Saab Salomon GB will go into the final with 40 points from two wins in the last two qualifiers, while Thorlo One have 30 points. However, they are likely to be the only team to claim the 10 point bonus for keeping their team consistent throughout the series, in which case they will start in Caernarfon on equal footing with Saab Salomon GB. Beating the UK’s ‘super squad’ in the final won’t be easy – but in adventure racing anything can happen.

Absent will be Thomas Cook, who’ve raced every event in the series so far (the only team to do so), but perhaps that has been their undoing as fatigue seems to be the main reason for missing the final. At the end of a long and hard season, injuries are also affecting several teams who want to take part, and Elliot is asking anyone who would like to race to get in touch so he can try to fill the available team places. So, if you’re interested email him now.

When the teams do line up to start at Caernarfon SleepMonsters.com will be there to provide daily news, reports and pictures throughout the race, so if you can’t make it you’ll still be able to follow all the action. And you’ll be among the first to know who the 2003 British Adventure Racing Champions are.