Ecomotion/Pro 2008 Adventure Racing World Championship

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Brazil Prepares to Welcome ARWC 2008

Rob Howard / 28.10.2008

Sixty teams from 15 countries are now beginning their journeys to Brazil, to race EcoMotion Pro, the best known expedition race in Brazil and the host of this year’s Adventure Racing World Championship.

Defending champions Team Nike, who won their title last year in Scotland, will be defending it with a slightly different line up against the strongest of competition. For this race their team is half American and half Kiwi, with Mike Kloser and Monique Merrill joined by Chris Forne and Gordon Walker.

The teams they will be competing against include the strongest line-ups from around the globe. There are 29 Brazilian teams hoping to make best use of ‘home advantage’ and represent the honour of the host nation, and a strong South American entry, with teams from Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, Costa Rica and Colombia.

Other top contenders include Buff Coolmax (Spain), Bjurfors Adventure Racing (Sweden), OrionHealth.com (NZ), Dart-Nuun (USA/Canada), Team Sole (USA), and Wilsa Helly Hansen from France.

They are making for the North-West of Brazil, flying into the city of Fortaleza and then transferring to the race HQ at the resort of Jericoacoara. This former fishing village is said to have one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil and with its relaxed atmosphere and remote location will make a perfect setting for the athletes welcome party and gift exchange which is a feature of the race.

But the race is no vacation! The course is said to be the most demanding expedition race ever staged in Brazil (and there have been many already) and will cover a 550km course through the states of Piauí, Ceará and Maranhão. The terrain will include dry mountains, mangrove swamps and extensive sand dunes, and the weather will be hot, hot, hot! Temperatures as high as 40C are predicted and hydration will be key factor.

OrionHealth.com are already in Jericoacoara acclimatising to the conditions, and have been in Brazil since the 23rd and Wayne Oxenham has said this preparation is vital as the heat will be crucial to this race. The team were 5th in ARWC 2006 and 3rd in 2007 and are looking to maintain that improvement.

The race website is already online for live coverage which will include SPOT satellite tracking of the teams and an online game where viewers can ‘bet’ on the top five teams. (This has yet to be posted.) There is already some news online, a full team list and location photography showing the amazing scenery that awaits the teams (and make those at home jealous).

The site has some English translation but for more extensive English language reporting you can follow the race day-by-day right here, with reports and photographs from Rob Howard.See All Event Posts