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2005 World Series Underway

Nicole Fairweather / 30.05.2004

The Adventure Race World Series to qualify for the 2005 championship has begun. Over the next 7 months adventure racers will mountain bike, kayak, trek and scramble over 3000 kilometers of terrain across the globe.

With the first race – The Appalachian Extreme completed, competitors are now beginning the Senqu Adventure Quest Africa (30th May - 5th June) and Explore Sweden, which runs from June 2 to June 6.

Following in July is the New Balance Beast of the East (USA), and the attention then switches to the southern hemisphere. In October Ecomotion/Pro takes place in Brazil and then in November it’s time for Southern Traverse in New Zealand. In the middle of all this (August) the title will be decided for 2004 at Raid the North Extreme, which is the Adventure Race World Championship (ARWC). This takes place during August in Newfoundland, Canada.

ARWorld Series Director Geoff Hunt says he is excited about the variety of the events that contribute to the uniqueness of the AR World Series.

“It is this individuality of each participating event that keeps the true spirit of adventure racing alive and vibrant. An example of this is the Swedish race which includes an airborne leg where teams have to race to get on board a aircraft – if they don’t make it they’re out of the race.”

He says having teams from so many different countries across the world competing also adds to the series. The race coming up in Sweden has 22 teams from countries including Spain, Lithuania, Ireland, New Zealand, France, Australia, Denmark and Sweden.

Hunt says one of the main aims of the Adventure Race World Series is to give true meaning and authenticity to the title of World Championship Adventure Racing Team and to find the best team in the world based on a merit-base selection process.

“We can expect a real battle as teams race to claim the honour of the Adventure Racing World Championship Crown”, he said.

The race to claim this title for 2004 begins on the 1st Aug in Corner Brook, Western Newfoundland, and Hunt has recently returned from an inspection of the race course conditions and state of readiness in Newfoundland.

\"The local group Wreckhouse Entertainment are excited about the prospects of hosting the 2nd Adventure Racing World Championships and looking forward to seeing the best adventure racers on their doorstep,” he said.