Fulda Challenge
UK Team up to Fourth in Fulda Challenge
06.02.2006
Event 8: ATV raceLocation: Carmacks
The 2006 Fulda Challenge competitors settled in Carmacks for the ATV race after another arduous 600km drive. Event eight was held just two hours north of Whitehorse along the Yukon River.
Carmacks is a popular stopover for road and river travellers, so it seemed appropriate venue for the intrepid athletes nearing the end of their quest. The spectacular location set the scene for UK team’s attempt to make up on lost ground in the overall points table.
With just over 20 points separating them from overall leaders – the German Lowa team – UK team-mates Kate and Martin had high hopes for the ATV race. With temperatures at their lowest in this year’s challenge to date, a chilling -30°C, Martin put his previous experience on All Terrain Vehicles to good use.
He recorded a time of two minutes and 14 seconds, but unfortunately that wasn’t enough to take the overall victory. He was forced into fourth position by the male athletes from Poland, The Netherlands and Germany, but his consolation was seven hard-earned points.
Kate also set a good time and came fifth (six points) in the female competition behind winner, Irma Grootscholten from The Netherlands. This collective result put the British pair in fourth place overall with only two events remaining.
The final two activities – a hovercraft race and a gruelling mountain run – will now decide who will be crowned as the 2006 Fulda Challenge champions.
\"Tomorrow will be a tough day for me,\" said Martin. \"I have the hovercraft race to look forward to, but the mountain run will be difficult. As the weather is so cold at our next port of call, we are both looking forward to a night of comparative luxury in a hotel. Let’s hope that a good night’s sleep will ensure that we maintain our current position and possibly finish in the top three.\"
Kate was also excited about the prospect of a night away from the elements. \"Tonight will be a welcome break for us,� she confessed. “Sleeping outdoors is a part of the challenge and we have enjoyed it. However, a hot bath and a comfortable bed can only help us to prepare well for the final day.\"See All Event Posts
