World Champs Gets Great Support in New Zealand

News Release / 06.11.2005

The 2005 Adventure Racing World Championship has attracted significant sponsorship, from organisations and companies who have aligned themselves closely with adventure racing in New Zealand, through their links with Southern Traverse.

This year's World Championship is being held from November 14-19 in the Buller region of the West Coast of the Southern Alps and 46 international teams will compete on the tough course for the prestigious world title.

ARWorld Series director Geoff Hunt says the athletes represent around 20 countries who will compete in what will be a true expedition experience. "Our sponsor family will also get to experience something quite unique through their association with the event. There is a lot of synergy between the sponsors and our organisation and we can all provide a lot of benefits for each other."

The West Coast Development Trust is principal sponsor for the World Championship after taking on the role in 2004 for the West Coast staged Southern Traverse.

Chief Executive Mike Trousselot says the Buller region will be challenging for the competitors. " It will provide the ultimate challenge as competitors race through our rugged and primeval landscape, stunning gorges, luxurious rainforests and breathtaking coastlines. This high profile race is all about taking competitors to the limit and beyond, and that's something our wild and rugged West Coast terrain guarantees."

Hunt says the input from the Trust is outstanding and means there will be a good prize purse of
NZ $100,000 to be shared between the five top placed teams.

There is also excellent support from Tourism New Zealand, which assists with the international media programme, bringing journalists from strategic publications from around the world to New Zealand for the event. "Obviously it is important for us to get exposure for the race, but at the same time showcase New Zealand and we are able to do this with Tourism New Zealand's support," says Hunt.

Air New Zealand has been a long term partner of Southern Traverse and is continuing its links this year by sponsoring the World Championship.