Team Missing Link Win the Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race
News Release / 26.01.2009
Watching the team cross was a historic and momentous occasion, they linked arms held high in the air as they walked to the Pole and planted a Norwegian flag. They stopped at the Pole and talked about their tremendous journey, the difficulties they have faced and their joy and pride at arriving at the Pole.
The Norwegians have once again won the race to the South Pole, the first since Scott and Amundsen. Missing Link wanted to commend QinetiQ for making it a fantastic race. After all their hard work Missing Link will now get to spend some time at the Pole, resting, relaxing, eating and enjoying being at the Top of the Bottom of the World!
Team QinetiQ of the UK (TV presenter Ben Fogle, Olympic Gold Medallist James Cracknell and 24 year old Ed. Coats) finished the next day in second position. The team were delighted to be at the Geographic South Pole. After a 70km push into the Pole the team were exhausted and suffering with blisters and little bits of frost nip, but all in good spirits and looking forward to some R and R. Missing Link were at the Pole to shake their hand for completing such a fantastic journey.
Team Danske Bank reached the pole on the 24th to finished 3rd, arriving at 17:00, 20 days and 9 hours after departing from the Start Line. QinetiQ and Missing Link were all standing at the pole cheering them on over the finish line. They helped them take their pulks back, gave them hot drinks and sweet treats, and put up their tents for them for a good night's rest. All are well, enjoying finally resting and not having to ski tomorrow.
Due South have had a difficult couple of days on the run in to the Pole with two members suffering from flu, but they stayed on their skis covering the distance and are now on their final leg, hoping to finish today.
Race Positions
1st Team Missing Link
2nd Team Qinetiq
3rd Team Danske Bank
4th 696km Team Due South (they have not travelled as far as south pole flag but they are closer to the pole than south pole flag)
5th 705km Team South Pole Flag
6th South Pole Team Southern Lights
You can find out more about the race on the event website, including audio diaries and satellite tracking, plus links to the Qinetiq team website and a Daily Telegraph site following the event which has some video clips.
Photo by Flash Studios
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