Fulda Challenge – A Testing Time for Arctic Wannabes

Rob / 15.09.2004

A demanding Commando course in Devon was the selection test for athletes looking for a place in the UK team for the Fulda Arctic Challenge in 2005. The competitors, including several regular adventure racers, were selected following a six-month nationwide search for athletes with strength, speed and determination – as well as driving and skiing ability.

The Fulda Challenge is in its fifth year and takes place in the Yukon Territory of Canada from 29 January to 8 February 2005. Events will include skiing, mountain biking, ice climbing, car pulling and 4x4 driving – all in extreme arctic conditions.

Fulda Tyres UK teamed up with the Royal Marine Commandos and used their expertise in the selection procedure last weekend, which took place at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon. Travelling from all around the UK, the competitors brought with them a variety of experience including outdoor pursuits, ski and snowboard instruction.

Making full use of the centre’s exceptional training facilities, the Royal Marines planned an intensive itinerary of sporting endurance to push the participants to their personal limits. The brutal schedule involved a number of endurance activities designed to test physical and mental fitness.

Day one began with an exhausting 12km road run, a timed wheel-changing race and a quad bike trial. Competitors also faced a daunting chasm-crossing exercise. Each contestant had to cross a horizontal rope that joined two points, with ice-cold water to catch them if they fell off. To complete the tasks for day one, the competitors were presented with a difficult rock climbing exercise on a special training wall used by the Royal Marine Commandos.

The testing was supervised by Csgt Gary Bullen, who represented the UK in the 2004 challenge with Gill Watson, and their guidance will prove invaluable for the final team in Canada.