Extreme World Challenges
03.09.2007
Since its conception in 2005, the guys at Extreme World Challenges have been working hard to devise a series of events that would appeal to a worldwide audience looking for a challenge that could test their physical condition in some of the world’s harshest and most exciting terrains.2006 saw the arrival of the Gunbarrel Challenge, a 1100km MTB race across central Australia and brainchild of Phil Evans, the company founder. This was a hugely successful event with close to 40 riders racing to be first to Uluru, and has since been taken on and run as an annual race by a west Australian outback logistics operation.
After liaising with Mr Chhimi Gurung, president of the Nepal Mountain bike Association, the idea for Yak Attack; Extreme World Challenge’s first independent event was born. Using one of Nepal’s most fabled trekking routes, the Annapurna circuit, as the venue, this innovative runner versus mountain bike race had its inaugural opening in March 2007.
The 200km 8 day stage race attracted some impressive athletes, amongst whom were Mr Hari Rokaya - Guiness Book of Records holder for the fastest ever time for the Everest marathon (the world’s highest altitude marathon). It was the publicity that Yak Attack created worldwide and especially on location in Nepal, that encouraged the Nepal Sports Council to give Hari the recognition he deserved for his outstanding performances as a Nepalese athlete and, as a result, the shy and unassuming champion was awarded some much needed sponsorship to further his efforts. Hari went on to win Yak Attack 2007 in an incredible time of 24 hours and 5 minutes, over 3 hours ahead of his nearest rival.
2008 is set to be their biggest year yet, with Berghaus and Torqfitness sponsoring Yak Attack and 3 new events planned for throughout the year. These include a mountain bike race across Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia, the world’s highest triathlon starting in Lake Tilicho, Nepal, at just over 5000m and a 150km duathlon over the world famous Everest trail. To round the year off EWC are planning on a worlds first by taking a small group of mountain bikers and bikes to the summit of Mera peak (6451m).
