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Count-down Arctic Team Challenge 2004

Søren Strunge (Photo Erwin Reinthaler) / 16.07.2004

�The 2004 edition of the Arctic Team Challenge (ATC), like the previous year, is going to be a physically demanding race – due to the harsh terrain of Ammassalik, East Greenland� race director Anders Stenbakken proclaims. He continues saying that the orienteering part will play a bigger part and numerous strategic and tactical decisions have to be made by the participating teams.

Since arriving yesterday on the gravel runway of Kulusuk Airport the nine eager teams have not only been busy preparing the equipment, fixing their mountain bikes and testing the inflatable Canadian canoes – they have also been busy enjoying the unique atmosphere and spectacular scenery! The matchless combination of crystal clear water, slowly melting icebergs, barren mountains, the people of Ammassalik, the sound of sledge dogs’ howling, and the fact that tomorrow the participants will be racing in these exceptional surroundings, is just indescribable!

Here, one day before race start, every squad reports “every thing is okay�.

Due to the unusual elements of the race, such as paddling between icebergs or glacier trekking, combined with the fact the there are teams from many corners of the world, makes it hard to place a safe bet on a winner, even the top 3.

There are many potential top 3 teams. One of them is Saab Salomon from the UK. Though they are competing with a mixed team it wouldn’t be surprising if they can match some of the all male teams. There is a strong similarity between the rocky hills of Ammassalik and their regular training spot in Scotland. They are the only team to describe the area as “nice and runable�…!

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