X-adventure Raid World Cup 2005

---

Last Gasp at Altitude in Andorra

19.07.2005

The Pyrenean mountain paradise of Andorra is all set to host the final qualifier of this season’s World Cup circuit. At stake, for the 60 top adventure-racing teams, is a final opportunity to go head to head for a coveted spot on the starting line of The Raid World Championship 2005.

After three intensely fought stages, in which the best teams from around the globe have battled to amass sufficient points to ensure qualification for The Raid World Championship, this final race is the last opportunity for many aspiring hopefuls to take the start of the world’s most gruelling and prestigious adventure race.

Between them and success stands the tenacity of the competition from their qualifying zone, and 259kms of demanding mult-isports activities over a course calculated to challenge the most competent squads. With nearly 10,000 of ascent it’s going to be tough.

From Zone I in Scandinavia, the two front-runners MULTITUDE SALOMON (NOR) and LUNDHAGS ADVENTURE (SWE), are both out to consolidate their “top dog� positions and settle the question of Nordic supremacy. It is certain teams from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland will qualify, but someone will be disappointed as TIETOENATOR ADVENTURE (SWE) are only 14 points off a final qualifying place, and are looking to take the final qualifying place off Team FJS.

Zone II (Western Europe) also includes its share of potential, last minute drama as alpine powerhouse SALOMON SUISSE (CHE) and close rivals AVEYRON TERRE D’AVENTURES (FRA) remain vulnerable to a challenge from CÔTES D’ARMOR NIKE ACG (FRA) for the final qualifying spot.

In Zone III (Eastern Europe), where only 7 points separates the 2nd to 6th ranked teams, NIKE ACG RAW-TEAM (AUS), currently in 6th after a strong showing in the USA, could easily edge out any of their nearest opponents. In Zone VI (N. America) with an allocation of 6 spots, the absence of current 6th place NIKE ACG BEAVER CREEK (USA) will probably let in hot contenders NEWCASTLE LTD/CRESTED BUTTE (USA) who trail by only 2 points.

Andorra is located at the heart of the high Pyrenees, ascent and altitude will be key factors in the outcome. The dominant discipline is mountain biking with 167km and some big climbs, and there is 70 of mountain running too. The course should suit teams who live and train at altitude and in the mountains ... but then so will the Raid World Championship course in the Alps. So for the top teams already qualified this is also a last chance to measure themselves against each other in competition and perhaps gain some psychological advantage over their rivals.

STAGE 4 – Grandvalira, Andorra

Number of teams: 60
Start: Grau Roig , 23rd July at 06:00
Finish: Canillo, 24th July around 15:00
Distance: 259 km
Elevation gain: 9,940 m
167 km MTB
13 km canoeing
7 km white-water swimming
2 km via ferrata & rope-works
70 km adventure running

[SleepMonsters will be carrying live reports and pictures from the course starting this Friday.]See All Event Posts