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38 teams set out for 300 km of rugged adventure

Antoni Dimitrov / 23.08.2007

On the 19 of July 38 teams embarked on this ultimate race. The competitors from across the Balkans, representing Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Greece, had to cover 300 km of rugged terrain in less than 80 hours, challenging their skills in trekking, mountain biking, rope works, swimming, paddling and orienteering. Both the strong will and adamant endurance were vital in the struggle with the heat, constant hunger and fatigue, a great number of blisters, injuries and even some old traumas.

The euphoria about the beginning of the XVentureRace, had already begun on the day before the competition started, when the teams gathered together in front of the hotel “Finlandia� in the resort of Pamporovo, to register for the race. The determination of all the racers to reach the finish by all means created a great rivalry. Prognosis and appraisals for the other teams began in every camp. The Turkish team Team Touoreg Turk was considered the favourite, considering the experience they had – participation in two World championships.

On the first day of the race, at 06:00 h on the morning, feverish preparations were on. For the last time, the racers were checking equipment and bikes. Just an hour before the start the Organizers revealed the route and announced all the stages, obstacles, check points and times. At 08:00 h Andrey from XV team give the signal for the start and 76 racers rushed into this adventure to challenge their skills.

The estimated time for the first trekking section was 11 hours.

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