Swisse Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge
Webber Ready for the Challenge
Press Release / 05.12.2011
The F1 driver’s charity multi sport race, which is back on the calendar after a three-year break, sees two-person teams take on some of Australia’s most rugged scenery over five tough days of racing and the ultra-competitive Australian is determined to set the pace when he competes alongside top adventure racer Guy Andrews on certain stages during the opening day.
“It was great to end the F1 season on a high with a win in Brazil and that has really set my competitive juices flowing for the Challenge,� said Webber. “It’s such a buzz to have the event back on again – I’ve missed it – and I can’t wait to get back into the wild and race through those great Tasmanian trails again.
“We’ve got a very varied field this year, including several international teams, and the event is quickly regaining momentum. It’s amazing to think it started off as just a trek through the bush with a few mates back in 2003 and now it’s raised more than a million dollars for charity through the Mark Webber Foundation.�
This year’s Challenge will cover a course of around 350km and involves a variety of disciplines including kayaking, mountain biking, trail running and rope work.
Webber put in some pre-event training with a 6.5km Adventure Run around Hobart on Sunday, joining the crowds to race through to the city streets and the trails of the Queens Domain.
He took the opportunity to test some of the Challenge course today (Monday) and although he is only able to race on the opening day due to F1 commitments back in Europe, he will still get the chance to sample one of this year’s biggest thrills – a nail biting 50m abseil over the picture postcard Wineglass Bay.
“The opening day of the event always has a great atmosphere and I am looking forward to taking to the start line with all this year’s competitors,� said Webber. “The route looks like it’s going to be awesome and there’s plenty to keep us busy on day one with bikes, kayaks, running and kayaking all in the mix – not to mention that big drop!
“I would love to do more of the event but my F1 commitments take priority and I need to be in India and the UK later this week but I will be watching online to see how it’s all going and I am sure Guy and Darren Clark, who will pick up my baton, will keep flying the flag.�
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