Adventure Race in Denmark. What challenges does it offer?
Press Release / 01.06.2012
By the end of August the largest Danish adventure race so far, West Coast explore, will be kicked off. We have taken a little chat with race director Soren Strunge and course planner Torbjørn Gasbjerg about the challenges taht can be found, in a relatively flat and unknown country like Denmark.
Which challenges could Denmark offer international adventure racers?
Soren; Denmark has a rather diverse nature. Inland, there are large areas consisting of undulating beech forest with lakes and streams. While the landscape closer to the coast is more open of moorland, sandy beaches and dense thickets. Denmark consists of a mainland and hundreds of smaller islands. Overall, the country has more than 7000km of coastline. These coastal areas represents a unique scenery and is unique for the adventure race. You will easily feel that you are in the middle of nowhere. The sea around Denmark is both tough and attractive. Great for adventurerace!
Can you really make an exciting adventure race route in a country where the highest point is 176 meter above sea level ?
Torbjørn; Yes, it can easily be done. The highest point on the route to the West Coast Explore is 64meter above sea level. So it is not vertical meters that will challenge participants. But if you instead have to wade and navigate your way through the Wadden Sea, with sandy beaches, wet or thickly wooded areas, many participants would find it easy to climb a mountain.
West Coast Explore is a new major races in Denmark. Is it made for beginners or elite racers?
Soren: Basicly the race is for all. Both experienced teams and teams that have never done long races before. There are many teams in Denmark and around Europe who have raced many shorter 10-15timer races, but have never tried multiday races. This is our main audience. But in the same time, we will make an challenging and exciting race for good international elite teams. And it will be challenging and exciting!
Do you have any kind of philosophy for your race?
Torbjørn: Yes we have. The race must be positive, but hard. In the meaning that it must be hard with sense. We use the challenges and natural surroundings the area has and does not put too much "artificial" into it. The races will have to ride horses and drive blocarts (winddriven beach-buggies) during the race, but that's because it's what you do out there. Not just because it should be an experience for the teams.
Any final comment to the international teams who are considering going to Denmark for adventure racing?
Søren: Yes. We promise that West Coast eXplorer will make a race with a high standard. Both in terms of routing, organizing, and not least terrain. So if you have the courage of three days of fantastic adventures in Denmark West Coast eXplorer is a unique opportunity. We hope to welcome a number of international teams at the startline in august. If you have any question or problems don´t hesitate to ask. We look forward to seeing you in Danmark by end of august 2012
Send us an email at: kontakt@wcx.dk
And read more at: http://uk.wcx.dk/home.html
