X-adventure Raid Series
Clash of the Continents on X-adventure Stage 3
X-adventure Press Office / 07.08.2003
One month after the 2nd stage in the French and Italian Alps, where Les Arcs–Quechua (FR) once again laid down the law, the X-adventure Raid Series will cross the “pond� to the USA, where some of Europe’s strongest and most respected adventure racing teams will face off against the pride of the “New World� in the wilderness of America’s Gem State, Idaho. This 3rd stage, held last year among the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada in California, will take place around the Clearwater, Salmon and Snake rivers where relatively recent geological activity has pushed soaring granite peaks to heights in excess of 3,800m.
From the start at Knapp Creek all the way through to the finish in Sun Valley, one of America’s most celebrated mountain resorts, keeping the wheels turning will be vital, as there will be a massive 143kms of Mountain Biking, coupled with an unusually extensive 21kms of Inline Skating.. Most of the course will be at altitudes in excess of 2,000m, with a number of peaks and passes at over 2,500mand high spot of 3,050m. Though far from the stomach and lung straining heights of Mont Blanc experienced by some of the teams on the 2nd stage, it’s easily enough, combined with blazing heat, to drain the fittest of legs. Last month’s whopping 10,000m plus positive elevation gain makes the 5,546m on this stage appear unimpressive but, given the stark contrast between the rough, rocky conditions at altitude and the dry, scorching hot wilderness in the valleys, the raiders will suffer no less as they grapple with the extreme variations in terrain and climate over a 272km course.
For many teams this is the one that really counts and, with a sizeable presence from the host continent showing up to take on their European cousins this stage is seen by many as a unique opportunity to settle old scores and leave an indelible imprint on a competition. Some familiar names will be on the start line. Travelocity (US), led by the indomitable Brad Pennington, is the only American team to be competing in all this year’s stages and will be looking for some spirited support and peer pressure to push them further and faster. Mega-multisportsman Ian Adamson, a household name among the adventure racing cognoscenti, is fielding his crack crew Elite Adventure Team.Com (US). Both he and his team will be racing hard to compensate for last year’s finish (4th place on the X-adventure Raid Series staged in Kirkwood/CA) and eager to dispel rumours that they might just not be the world’s greatest. Charlie Kharsa will be on hand with Esprit Du Corp (US), a team with a “French Touch� that will be looking to keep the French at bay, the largest European contingent on this stage. One of last year’s surprise teams is also present. Off The Couch (US), with the plucky Lynn Ware-Peek at its head, will at least want to repeat their performance in California in 2002 when they finished as 4th North American team past the post. Dave Harrison and his crew Timex Multisport might play the dark horses.
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