Into the Arena for Indoor AR

Rob / 23.03.2004

It’s not long now until the Indoor AR at the National Exhibition Centre, and the list of competing teams and race details are now up on the ACE Races website. This is the third year of the race, and many of those taking part now know what to expect from this unique event. Up to now the race has been invitation only, but this year the number of teams has increased to 32 and there are a few places left for heats on Friday (April 2nd) if any teams of 3 fancy a go. (See the ACE Races web site for details.)

They can expect 3 hours of fast and furious, head to head, racing in front of the crowds in the ‘arena’, but also outside in nearby woods and on a small lake. The indoor section will once again feature the dreaded ‘Simulator Stage’ on bike, rotating climbing wall and canoe trainer, and the ‘Technical Stage’ will again have the Jabob’s Ladder. This time though there are 2 new elements – a jumar ascent, and the ‘frame traverse’, which will remain a mystery until the first heat.

The addition of the ‘Water Endurance’ stage on a nearby lake is one factor in allowing the increase to 32 teams as there will now be 8 teams per heat, and along with the ‘Land Endurance’ stage (a mix of mtb and orienteering in the woods), gives the race a more traditional AR feel. However, it’s the arena in the packed hall that will have the crowds gasping (or scratching their heads in confusion). It’s a great showcase for adventure racing at the biggest \'outdoor\' event of the year, and with the sponsorship of Renault Kangoo has a prize pool of £4000 for the top teams to divide.

The 8 who compete in the 4 hour final on Sunday will come from morning and afternoon heats on Friday and Saturday, and the team to beat will surely be Saab Salomon/Orange. They were all-conquering in UK races in 2003 and will be fielding the same team that won last year; Helen Jackson, Morgan Donnelly and Ben Bardsley. There is even a Saab Salomon ‘management’ team this year as Tim and Jane Lloyd are racing with Pete Rostron as ‘The Management’. It’s Tim’s first adventure race.