A Royal Adventure Racer in Denmark
Rob Howard / 01.09.2015
The Yeti Adventure Challenge Silkeborg this past weekend had a famous participant when Frederick, Crown Prince of Denmark took part, the first time adventure racing has ever had a royal racer.
The Prince (who is in line for the throne) has always been active, in a distinguished military career and in his personal sporting ambitions. An active sailor, he’s also been on expeditions to Mongolia and on a 2795km, 4 month, dog sledding expedition in North Greenland (where he also served in the Danish military dog sled unit.) He has completed marathons in Copenhagen, New York and Paris, and in 2013 became the first royal to complete an Ironman Triathlon at the KMD Ironman Copenhagen in the time of 10:45:32.
In the past he has been invited to take part in the Arctic Team Challenge in Greenland and also in the Kong Vinter, which takes place close to where he lives. However, it was the Yeti Adventure Challenge which fitted into his calendar when he felt ready and able to give adventure racing a try. As he’s active in conservation and a well know nature lover and sportsman it was a challenge which suited his interests. In the past couple of years he’s also raced in MTB and orienteering events so had some good preparation.
The race was held last weekend in Silkeborg Woods in an area of about 100 km2. The terrain in the area is wet, hilly and technically challenging and in total, nearly 400 participants had to run, cycle, row, rappel, swim, shoot, climb and raft through the race.
The Crown Prince was paired with experienced Danish racer Claus Stallknecht and took part in the Masters category (the longest), with his team finishing a creditable 9th overall and 5th male team.
Such a high profile and influential competitor (and one who is on the International Olympic Committee) can only be good for Danish adventure racing and hopefully, having had his first taste of AR, the Prince will get the opportunity to take part in future races.
You can find out more about the race and Danish AR Union at:
https://www.facebook.com/yetiadventurechallenge
https://www.facebook.com/DanskAdventureRaceUnion
