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Arctic Contenders Confirmed

Rob Howard / 15.06.2005

Following a nationwide search for the Fulda Challenge 2006 UK team, nineteen competitors have been chosen to attend the UK selection this coming weekend at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon.

Here, under the supervision of the PT Instructors, and driven on by a team of elite marines, the competitors will undertake a gruelling schedule of sporting endurance that will push them to their ultimate limits. Activities such as a 20km road race, 23km mountain bike race, chasm crossing, rope climbing and car pulling will allow the selectors to find the toughest of competitors.

Following the weekend, up to five men and five women will be chosen to take part in the final European elimination event in Sulden, Italy between 29 September 2005 and 2 October 2005. Here one man and one woman will be chosen to represent the UK in the 2006 Fulda Challenge in late January/early February in Canada’s Yukon Territory.

The short listed competitors are;

Men
Phillip Thomas, Windermere,
Outdoor Instructor

David Higgins, Blandford
Army Officer

Jonathon Treadwell, Lincoln
Secondary Science Teacher

Paul Norris, Bolton
Firefighter

Steve Boyd, Aberdeen
Project Manager (Computer Systems)

Byron Lewis, Taunton
Teacher

Chris McSweeny, Worcester
Electronic Engineer

Martin Yardley, Portsmouth
PTI (Marines)

Phillip Tootill, Huddersfield
Mechanical Stress Engineer

Ken Piddlesden, London
IT Developer


Women
Suzy Madge, Brighton
Tour Guide

Louise Brown, Catterick-Garrison
Army (REME)

Bridgid McMahon, Aberdeen
IT Manager

Kate Balchin, Bagshot
Police Officer

Karen McDonald, Chesterfield
Marketing and Event Manager

Wendy Sylvester, Aviemore
Secretary / Ski and Archery Instructor

Jaqui Woolf, Herne Bay
Ski Instructor

Jackie Barker, Bletchingley
Public Health Officer

Claire Thomas, Edinburgh
IT Associate