Free Entry and Flights to Race in Abu Dhabi
Rob Howard / 15.06.2009
If you are part of a team from the UK or Ireland who have not raced together in an international adventure race before, then this is your chance to take the step up to multi-day racing against the best in the world in a fantastic location.The competition is part of an initiative called the ADTA Awards, set up to encourage new, strong teams into international competition. It can be very hard to break into top-level adventure racing and financing an entry is a major hurdle for new teams, who can't show any track record of international competition to raise sponsorship. The ADTA Awards will help one team leap that hurdle. The prize includes free entry (worth 2500 Euro) the provision of kayaks and mountain bikes for the race, 2 nights accommodation before the event and one after. (Flights will also be provided but there may be some restrictions on the departure airport.)
Last year the prize was won by Team 'For Goodness Shakes' and they had a very competitive race, finishing 19th from 36 teams. It was a great performance and a valuable learning experience and all the ADTA award teams did well, showing that given the chance established teams can break into the top level. You can read reports from that race, including articles by the team on their preparation and performance, at www.sleepmonsters.co.uk/racereport.php?race_id=6220
The race is open to mixed teams of 4 (with no support), and takes place from December 4-9th including the disciplines of Sea Kayaking, Camel Hiking, Orienteering, Mountain Biking, Adventure Running, Rope Activities and In Line Skating. Full information on the race can be found at www.abudhabi-adventure.com
The award is for a mixed team from the UK or Ireland comprised of racers who have NOT raced internationally (i.e. outside of the UK and Ireland) before. However, one of the team can have done so, as it was felt one more experienced racer in the team would be beneficial. This can be a new or established team. (Members can also have competed abroad in single discipline events.)
To enter email AD@sleepmonsters.co.uk to register your interest, letting us know your team name and roster. We will help all registered teams to set up a SleepMonsters team website where you can list racer profiles and add information about your racing, training and preparation over the next 3 months.
A judging panel will then pick one team based on this at the end of September, looking at the results, frequency of racing and training activity to select the team they feel are most deserving to go to Abu Dhabi as team SleepMonsters.co.uk.
More information on the judges and updates on teams hoping to go to Abu Dhabi, and their preparations will follow in the coming months.
