A Global Gathering at Terra Incognita
Rob / 06.05.2004
Terra Incognita, round two of The Expedition Racing League, is shaping up to be one of the most competitive European races of the year. With several late entries, mainly due to the cancellation of Adrenalin Rush there are now 27 strong teams on the start list, from all around the world.The race takes place from May 23-30th in the rugged mountains and spectacular coastline of Dalmatia, and teams can expect the terrain to be as testing as anything they’ve ever encountered. Parts of the mountain interior are virtually trackless and they’ve been warned to expect lots of sea kayaking and island hopping. Navigation on both land and water could be difficult, and the race for the top spots and ERL points will be intense.
The line up includes current Raid The North Extreme Champions, EADS of France led by Bruno Rey and top Australian squad AROC, who did so well at last year’s Subaru Primal Quest. They are not the only team to travel a long distance though,Clight Salomon Atenah are a crack Brazilian team, led by the very experienced Silvia Guimaraes, who will competing just 2 weeks after racing in the first X-adventure Raid in Morocco.
The Finnish racers, Iiro Kakko and Pasi Ikonen, who were on the winning team at the first ERL event, Raid Ukatak in Canada, are competing again as ‘eVent Endure’ this time with Anna McCormack and Norman Dunroy – making a very formidable team. Their cross-country skiing skills won’t help this time though!
There is a strong British entry, and both Aberdeen Assett Management, who finished top 5 in last year’s Southern Traverse, and The North Face, winners of Adrenalin Rush and the 4 Winds Supreme in the USA. Also coming from the UK are Anabasis and North Downs Mountain Rescue, and there are British and Irish racers in several other teams. The most international team of all is ‘Asia Pacific Adventure’ with racers from USA, UK, Hong Kong and France.
