Fulda Challenge

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High Hopes on the Ice

31.01.2006

Today marks the beginning of a gruelling eight-day task for two fitness enthusiasts as they embark on one of the world’s toughest sporting adventures. Kate Balchin (from Bagshot in Surrey) and Martin Yardley (from Portsmouth) form the UK team in the 2006 Fulda Challenge, an extreme sports competition taking place in Canada’s Yukon Territory.

The female Metropolitan Police Officer and the Royal Marine PTI travelled to Canada last Friday to begin preparations for the event. They will battle it out against nine other countries – including Germany, Belgium, Austria and Canada – to win two Klondike gold nuggets and the title of 2006 Fulda Challenge champions. The punishing schedule allows no break for the team as they compete in a wide range of sporting events in temperatures as low as –50ºC.

The first challenges are a demanding half-marathon, followed by a downhill-kayak. A popular event at the 2005 Fulda Challenge, the downhill-kayak will see the contestants steering a canoe down a snow-covered mountain.

Kate (25) has been looking forward to the kayak since she was chosen for the team. “I have seen the photos of the 2005 challenge and the kayaking looks amazing!� she said before departure the Yukon. “I am really excited about the prospect of this exciting event and I will throw myself into it with 100% enthusiasm.�

The Canadian adventure is the culmination of seven months of hard work for Kate and Martin. The determined duo beat hundreds of UK applicants and conquered two demanding selection events (in the UK and Italy) to secure their places on the UK team.

The sixth annual Fulda Challenge will follow a 2,500km route from Whitehorse to Dawson City, through the beautiful, icy wilderness of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The nine teams will receive little respite from the sub-zero temperatures as they literally eat, sleep and breathe the conditions for eight days.

“The team has a really tough task ahead, but I am incredibly confident in their ability,� says Fulda’s Brand Support Manager Nicole Howitt. “Kate and Martin form one of the strongest teams we have ever had. They are very balanced and one’s weakness is the other’s strength, so I really believe that they can win this – go team UK!�See All Event Posts