X-adventure Raid Series
X-adventure in the Spanish Canyons
Rob / 03.09.2003
After an incursion into Southern Spain last season, the X-adventure Raid Series is returning to the Iberian peninsula again this year but this time in and around the Northwest, where the Sierra de Guara will play host to this year’s final European based stage. Though the region of Aragon is barely a stone’s throw from the French border, it couldn’t be more in contrast to its Gallic neighbour in atmosphere; the department of Huesca harbours a typical and undeniably Mediterranean environment.
Covering a vast 16,000 square kilometres, this region is also one of the most important destinations outdoor sports on the peninsula: in winter the Sierra de Guara, with its jagged peaks rising to 3,000 meters, the area is a paradise for all kinds of skiers while, during the summer months it more than satisfies the desires of mountaineers and hikers. It’s dense and intricate river system also makes it an ideal holiday fun spot for anyone keen on rafting, canoeing or any other water activity. As if all this wasn’t enough, the Sierra de Guara has something rather special that differentiates it from any other outdoor area in Europe: it is riddled with almost 90 caves, a lure for Europe’s many caving and canyoning enthusiasts. Needless to say, it’s a pefect setting for the 44 top adventure racing teams due to gather together for the penultimate stage of the 2003 Adventure Racing World Cup.
This 190km long 4th stage will certainly favour those teams whose strength lies in trekking and orienteering, since the world’s adventure racing elite will have to traverse more than a third of the 12 sections on foot. Mountain biking and canoeing will be the other dominant disciplines, while the tortuously narrow canyons with potholes and chimneys could create a few surprises for the courageous competitors. However, with just 5,000 meters of positive elevation gain, this stage is far from the toughest climb of the season but, like so often this year, teams will still have to move fast and look sharp as soon as they get off the mark.
Only a few moments after the start in Ainsa, the athletes will move straight into a confrontation with one of the major obstacles in the race, taking them to the high point in the course after a “hook or crook� 2,000m struggle up a steep and merciless incline. Next comes a very long descent down to the valley, where the majority of the race will take place, at a maximum altitude of around 1,000 meters. A series of quite short but varied sections will alternate as the teams head towards the finish, in Meson de Liguerre.
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