Land Rover G4 Challenge International Selection
Rotation and Floatation
Rob Howard / 31.01.2006
The competitors are now completing the second day of the selection process and most of them feel it’s been a relaxed start, and not too physical. The national teams are divided into 3 groups which have been rotating around the various activities and briefings, so they are getting to know the others in their group well. Most of the time has been spent on the climbing wall, kayaking on the lake and on vehicle driver training accompanied by an instructor.
The impressive climbing wall is set up in the car park alongside the Land Rover Experience buildings. Here the teams practice their climbing skills, belaying, abseiling and ascending. It’s a chance to become familiar with the equipment and the instructors were on hand to help if anyone was having difficulty. Some found the climbing harder than others, but it was the ascending where most instruction was needed.
The Irish team were climbing alongside the young Russian team today, belaying each other, laughing and joking, and looking relaxed. Gary Robertson was struggling with the harder of the climbs. “I was worried about this,� he said. “I did spend a couple of hours on the local climbing wall each week, but knew it wasn’t going to be my strength! I’ve not got the flexibility.� He was climbing in trainers, but his fellow Irish competitors Vanessa Lawrenson and Paul Mahon were using climbing shoes they’d brought along. There were no specific targets for the competitors and when Robertson was asked if he was ready go again he said, “I’m pumped – I’ll wait a while!�
Mahon blitzed up the climbs in double quick time, then did them again for the exercise. “It’s not been very physical at all so far,� he said. “We got out for a run last night and it was a chance to release a bit of pent up energy.� Asked if they were aware of being watched Lawrenson said, “We know of course but it’s a mistake to try and be someone you’re not, or put on an act. Much better to be yourself and just enjoy the experience.�See All Event Posts
