X-adventure Raid Series
Into the Premier League
Rob / 09.05.2003
For teams arriving for registration at Glenmore Lodge there was a lot to do, and for those new to the X-adventure Raid, it could all be a bit hard to come to terms with. There was a big race buzz about the centre, with many well equipped teams, often in matching team strips covered in sponsors logos, purposefully moving through the required kit checks and form filling. They were supervised by dozens of Saga d’adventure staff (who were equally well kitted out with Saab Salomon logos and clothing) and their experience of the Raid series showed.They knew the rules and regulations and were prepared for the strict kit requirements, while the less experienced always seemed to be asking where to go, what to do next, and why those shoes weren’t allowed. Saab Salomon, with their hard won experience of last year’s series (and a world ranking of 3rd) were well prepared and had even managed to field two teams. This was despite an injury to Jim Davies, who was replaced by his brother Phil.
They were looking forward to the race, where they would have ‘home’ advantage, but Manager Tim Lloyd would not be drawn too much on their expectations. “I’m not going to say we’ll win�, he said, “but two teams in the top 5 places is possible. We certainly have an advantage here we won’t have anywhere else. There are no team orders though, we’re not favouring one team against the other. There will be no Michael Schumacher tactics!�
He also knew the teams to look out for. “Salomon Suisse, who raced as Alliance last year are the champions and no one will discount Spie. The favourites though must be Les Arcs-Quechua who were unbeaten last year when racing as Intersport.� Unlike most other top teams here they are not doing the Raid Gauloises in a month either, and so could have an edge against teams holding back just a little. Race staff also felt Nokia Adventure, who’ve brought their strongest team, are really determined to win here but Lloyd wasn’t too worried about their challenge.
By contrast the other British teams were more concerned with just getting to the start. Clutching some hired crampons and mountaineering boots they had just acquired to get past the stringent footwear checks Keith Read of Rubicon High5 said, “All this makes me feel like a novice again!� Warren Bates of Thomas Cook was looking equally baffled and wondering what lay ahead. “We’ve no idea how we are going to do – we just don’t have any way to judge.� Nicola MacLeod added, “There are so many top teams here.� Both looked a bit intimidated … and slightly worried!
There are more French teams than from any other nation, and strong Alpine and Scandinavian representation. There is no nationality rule though, so Noel Hanna and Gary Robertson from Ireland are racing with two Americans on team Freedom and Anna McCormack is on Finnish team Lapin Kulta. They have a tough race ahead with only 3 in their team, so while the others can swap one team member in and out they must do the whole course. Aaron Prince, a top Kiwi racer, is also listed as racing with Team Silva.
There is also one all Scottish team – The Hoppers – a combination of the Boghoppers and the Rrockhoppers teams, and they are likely to be doing a bit of both during the race!See All Event Posts
