Iles Guadeloupe Adventure
30 international teams are now heading towards the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe
Jacqueline Windh / 23.11.2007
Organizers indicate that this six-day staged race will have some events that are common to pretty much any AR race anywhere in the world (the usual bike/trek/paddle), but that it will also have some unique “discovery� challenges. These will include both cultural and gastronomic experiences meant to showcase many of Guadeloupe’s unique features. I am not sure exactly what these challenges will entail, but it sounds like some of this competition will involve eating – sure to please any adventure racer!
Various stages of this race will take place on three different islands: Grande terre, Basse-Terre and Marie-Galante. It sounds like there will be a lot of water-sports involved –including stand-up paddling, snorkelling and even surfing! Well, aside from eating, AR racers are also known for picking up new skills pretty quickly.
The line-up of teams sounds pretty amazing. All together, 20 different countries will be represented by the 30 different teams (two racers each). Four teams are from Guadeloupe itself: teams Tainos, Guadarun, Wax’Up Girls, and Fos Pou Marie-Galante.
Some of the better known of the international teams include:Buff Sweden, TSL Outdoor (FRA), Teva La Pinilla (ESP), Speleo Salomon (POL/GER), Chasing Daylight (RUS), Timberland (USA), Salomon Suisse, and of course Team SleepMonsters (GBR/ITA).
Five all-women teams will be competing as well: Les Petites Louves (FRA), Les Surfeuses (FRA), Haglofs Girls (FIN), Fos Pou Marie-Galante (GUA) as well as the highly successful Brazilian women of Atenah Natura.
It’s time to get on my plane... I will update you again after the opening ceremonies – late Saturday night.
SleepMonsters
