Bimbache Extrem Castillo y León...

09.03.2009

<p>
Although there are still over two months til the start of Spain’s ARWS qualifier Bimbache Extrem Castillo y León, the race has nearly sold out. Twenty eight teams, coming from Europe, South and Central America, Australia and South Africa, as well from Spain, have already confirmed their participation - leaving at the time of writing, only two open slots for this race.

Maybe it’s because of the strengthened prize pool, which includes 20,000 Euros in cash, as well as another 15,500 Euros worth of free entries to races: 7 Cerros Medellín, Colombia, and CAT Costa Rica. (First prize is an attractive 9000 Euros cash, plus free entry <i>and</i> airfare to 7 Cerros... that in addition to the usual free entry to the Worlds in Portugal).

So, if you want to get in on the action, get your team-mates lined up and log on to <a class="\"main\"" href="\" onclick="\"javascript:newsitewindow(\'http://www.meridianoraid.com\')\"">www.meridianoraid.com</a>. Entries close officially on March 30th, but it looks like the race will fill before that.

Spain has had an unusual amount of snow this winter, so organizers have indicated that crampons may become part of the official gear list. They also have divulged that the caving section is going to be aquatic! - so 5 mm wetsuits and appropriate lights will be compulsory. Detailed gear lists and updates can be found on the race website.

Bimbache Extrem is a fully supported race - no crew or vehicles to find. It takes places from May 16-23 in the Castillo y León region of Spain. In general, racing temperatures are expected to be in the 5-18 degrees C range - and possibly down to around the freezing point in the higher parts of the route (which reach around 2000 m elevation).</p>