Baise Outdoor Quest
Adventure Sports are Big Business in China
Fredrik Ölmqvist (For Thule Adventure Team) / 25.04.2013
The Baise Outdoor Quest, held in Baise, Guangxi, South China, this weekend (April 26-28) is a multisport race for teams of 4 with 3 daily stages with an estimated winning time of approx 20 hours. But an outdoor sports event like this is much more than just a race.
Multisport races are hugely popular in China, with a cheering crowd, spectacular opening and closing ceremonies, and daily TV coverage. They also attract the best international multisport teams thanks to a highly competitive field, significant prize money (paid cash on location), good race organisation, affordable entry fees and a stunning nature.
"These races are usually sponsored by the government for marketing purposes: to show the potential for outdoor sports and outdoor activities in the region – primarily for its own inhabitants, since the current infrastructure isn’t built for more cars or excessive travelling. Multisport races also receive government funding to promote a healthy, active lifestyle," says Martin Flinta, team captain of Thule Adventure Team defending champions in Baise Outdoor Quest.
The new middle class in China continue to swell. More people, especially consumers with a high level income, have time and money for outdoor adventure activities. Leisure sports like running, trekking and mountain biking have become ”filters” for companies trying to target certain consumer groups. Also the number of Chinese competing in adventure sporting events has been growing rapidly in recent years, and considering the numbers of consumers we’re talking about we can probably expect even more from the Chinese multisport races in the future.
"Usually the Chinese races are dominated by international professional teams, but Chinese teams are getting better every year. They are very fast runners but fall short in the paddling. This kind of multisport race also has many tactical elements," says Martin Flinta, a five-time Swedish multisport champion and world champion adventure racer.
"Recovery is very important. Therefore you need to hold yourself back and not burn out. You also want to avoid accidents and have a safe race. With the right bike gear you can avoid a flat tire and you need to know how to eat and drink, especially when it’s hot and humid. And of course avoid potential stomach bugs."
Baise Outdoor Quest 2013 will start Friday 26th with a prologue: 3K running on stairs with 200m positive climb + 70 minutes MTB + 70 minutes running (including 3K cave running) + 2 rope sections (abseil with via ferrata & river crossing).
Teams we will have to look out for, according to Martin Flinta, are two strong aussie teams, Team Redbull (NZ) and Team FJS (Sweden). "We are prepared for a tough race, but also a bit concerned about our teammate Marcel Hageners injured calf,", wrote Martin in a message after the race briefing on Thursday.
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