New World Champs Alliance

Rob / 06.10.2002

In what’s described a trans-Tasman alliance New Zealand based ‘Southern Traverse Ltd.’ and Sydney based ‘Sporting Frontiers Australia’ have announced the formation of a joint venture company to be called ‘Adventure Racing World Ltd’. What’s it all about – well the new organisation will “manage, develop and promote the Adventure Racing World Championship and the Adventure Racing World Series”.

Since Southern Traverse staged the first Adventure Racing World Championship with Discovery Channel as the TV/media partner in Switzerland last year the idea seems to have been on the back burner. Discovery Channel pulled out and the 2002 race was put back to Spring 2003, since when no more details have been forthcoming. Teams have continued to qualify from races around the world, including Adrenalin Rush, but there has been no news of a firm date, sponsors or a venue announcement.”

Hopefully, this new development is a sign that we’ll get more news soon and that all’s well with the World Championships. Since the Discovery Channel race in Switzerland, where Nokia Adventure won a $US100,000 prize, the power game of global adventure racing has moved on, with the Saab Salomon Raid Series acting as Raid Gauloises qualifiers, Eco Primal Quest putting up a richer prize, and arguably attracting a stronger field, and Eco-Challenge as always promoting its position as the de facto world championships anyway. (To the American speaking world at least.)

The new partner in the World Championships idea is bringing in more marketing, sponsorship and T.V clout. They are an international sports and entertainment marketing company with headquarters in England and offices in Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong, India, China and New Zealand. Their chief executive Michael Porra said the potential for growth of the sport of adventure racing is unlimited, adding: \"We believe adventure racing has a huge future as both a participant and television sport.” No arguments there then!

Southern Traverse directors Pascale Lorre and Geoff Hunt say the joint venture will build the international profile of adventure racing. \"It’s a significant step forward and will ensure the future success of the World Championship and the Series,\" said Hunt. \"We are committed to the development of adventure racing … it’s no longer a niche sport and this partnership reflects its growth.\"

For the next World Championship Southern Traverse will be managing race operations and Sporting Frontiers marketing the event. \"We are currently working through a number of potential locations around the world, all of which offer spectacular and challenging landscapes,\" said Hunt. \"Similarly, Sporting Frontiers is in negotiation with sponsors and international television networks. We expect to make an announcement soon about the dates, location and supporters of the 2003 Adventure Racing World Championship.\"

Let’s hope the negotiations on all fronts are quick and fruitful, as time is ticking away for a Spring 2003 date (though the press release now doesn’t mention Spring.) The partnership with Sporting Frontiers in Australia when it’s UK based company is interesting too – any bets on a next World Champs down under?