Patagonia Expedition Race

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King’s Own on a Charge

Jacqueline Windh / 15.02.2005

The Canadian military team, The King’s Own Calgary Regiment, is making a surprisingly strong showing here. With the withdrawal of Allier Aventure (due to injury), the Canadians are at present in second place, behind La Clusaz Raid Aventure.

My unoffical calculations have the King’s Own about 8 hours behind La Clusaz, and between 4 and 6 hours ahead of Le Groupe Iberoamerica (Argentina/Spain), Menetue Optimum (Chile), and Magallanes-Australies (Chile). In part, this ranking reflects the penalties these teams received for not completing the kayak segment to PC3 (Canada received 4 hours while the other three each received 7 hours) – but even so, the Canadians are putting on a strong showing.

The King’s Own are not only a surprise in their performance, it was a surprise to all that they are even here at all! Eight days before the PER opening ceremony, Devon Smibert sent a short inquiry email from Calgary, Alberta to the race organizers, inquiring whether it was still possible to participate. Six days later, Devon flew into Punta Arenas, along with team captain Tom Zidek, and team-mates Bonnie Seaborg and Mike Kotuk.

All are members of the Canadian military – some full-time and some in the reserves. They are all powerful cyclists. In addition, Devon is strong in mountaineering and navigation, Bonnie is a cross-country runner who has placed in numerous international competitions, Mike has participated in several world triathlon championships, and captain Tom brings in the adventure racing experience.

The only thing they lack is paddling experience, and they seem to be overcoming that quickly. I overheard another racer yesterday saying “Did you see those Canadians when they got into their kayaks? They really sucked at first, and by the end of it they were really good!�

I asked Tom about that and he said “Yeah, after a couple of hours we just really got it together, and next thing you know we were passing everybody!�

They are a young group – Devon and Bonnie are 21, Mike is 25, and captain Tom is 29 – and their adventure racing experience is limited. But they seem to have two things going for them: All four are extremely powerful and strong. More importantly, especially in this race, is their attitude: they are quick to laugh, and obviously a well bonded group that embodies the concept of working together as a team.See All Event Posts