Fulda Challenge: UK Team Fights Back

A strong performance in the mountain bike race by Hammersmith-based Emmie Gribble got the UK 2005 Fulda Challenge team off to a good start on the second day of the extreme arctic adventure. After driving along a deserted Alaskan highway, the teams passed customs, entered British Columbia and drove into the town to commence the 35km race.

Competing in temperatures of less than minus 20 degrees Celcius, Each competitor had to complete the course in 2.5 hours (or less) in order to collect points. Emmie Gribble crossed the finish line in under two hours and picked up a much-needed eight points. In the men’s race UK competitor Richard Jackson, from Newcastle, finished sixth and collected four points.

Event three: Kanu-Downhill, Carcross Desert

After dragging a full sized canoe up snow-swept hills each competitor had to negotiate a specially designed slalom course. Judged on overall time, minus penalty points, Emmie collected five points and Richard six.

Emmie was delighted with her progress during day two: “I am really pleased with third place in the mountain bike event. I cycle to work everyday but not in conditions like this!” Teammate Richard was glad to see the finish line at the end of the mountain bike event: “I knew it wouldn’t be my strongest event. When you mix that with ice and snow, it becomes a battle to get anywhere. However, I enjoyed the second event thoroughly – completely different to the canoeing that I am used to.”

The next event is biathlon followed by hovercraft navigation in the afternoon.