McCain in Spain

News Release / 07.05.2009

Once again, a world-class field will be awaiting Team McCain Adventure Addicts when they fly to Spain on May 14th to compete in the Bimbache Extrem in northern Spain. The race, viewed by many athletes as one of the toughest races on the European calendar, is sure to test the mental and physical capabilities of the South African foursome to the max.

This will be the 7th edition of Bimbache Extrem, and the second time the race will take place in the region of Castilla y Leon. This is undoubtedly the premier expedition race on the Spanish AR calendar, and the remote and rugged provinces of Palencia and Leon will provide the perfect backdrop for the collective blood, sweat and tears of more than 30 top adventure racing teams from around the world.

Seasoned campaigners from as far afield as France, Australia, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Sweden, Estonia, the US and Portugal will line up with the McCain Adventure Addicts on May 18th at 09h00 sharp. Teams include ever-greens such as Buff, Oskalunga Sundown and Team Explore, as well as the world-class Blackheart from Down Under, so the competition can be expected to be stiff.

Climatic extremes will furthermore add to the challenge, with the temperatures expected to drop below zero in the higher peaks. Technical routes traversing high ranges, including the Picos de Europa, Sierra de Manpodre and Palencia peaks, will no doubt test the racers along an event lasting a minimum of three to four days. ”Even though Bimbache Extrem is billed as a 4-day race, we’re expecting to reach the finish in around 72 – 80 hours”, says Graham Bird, captain of the McCain Adventure Addicts.

“Taking into account the unusually high snowfall in Spain this year, we may have to revert to using crampons and ice axes during the race”, he continues. “Plus, we will be faced with segments of high-speed in-line skating, and an aquatic caving section requiring waterproof headlamps and 5mm neoprene wetsuits. You can say we are therefore 100% convinced the organisers will be testing our sense of adventure at this year’s Bimbache Extrem!”

Bird, who hails from Johannesburg, will be joined by McCain’s first-string Adventure Addicts on this month’s mission to Castilla y Leon. Back-up will come in the shape of self-confessed pack-horse Hano Smit, Andre Gie, and Tatum Prins. As team members, they excel in adventure sport disciplines as varied as paddling, mountain biking, trail running, technical rope work and navigation, but curve balls such as the in-line skating and the use of crampons may expose chinks in their armour.