UK Fulda Challenge Team Return from the Arctic

The UK’s Fulda Challenge team is back on home soil after competing in the annual arctic adventure; unfortunately the outcome was not one they had predicted.

Whilst the manufacturer claims the winter sports event went well this was not the case for UK representatives Richard Jackson and Emmie Gribble who were forced to withdraw from the competition on day two due to injury. Emmie was hospitalised with a broken arm, broken rib and lacerated lung following a car accident yet despite the setback, her team mate continued to compete in events and won maximum points in the technical sports of hovercraft navigation and 4×4 driving.

Canada’s Yukon Territory hosted the seven-day, event and competitors including the UK, the Netherlands, Austria, USA, Canada, Poland and three teams from Germany. The overall winners were Italy, followed closely by the Canadian group.

The schedule saw the teams cover over 2,000km, withstand temperatures as low as -50ºC and complete a number of endurance events, including ski-doo racing, a mountain bike race, downhill canoeing, biathlon event, husky-dog sledding and a half marathon. The teams drove to each event in a convoy of Toyota Rav4s, fitted with Fulda’s Tramp 4×4 Yukon tyres.

Reflecting on his experience in the 2005 Fulda Challenge Richard said: “To be a part of the challenge was a privilege. I have met some great people all of whom enjoy similar sports. Despite the accident the time I spent in the Yukon was fantastic.

“It is unfortunate that Emmie and myself had to withdraw. These things happen though and at least we are both OK. I am sure we would be happy if we got the opportunity to compete again next year. We will have to wait and see what happens.”

Event manager Holger Bergold commented: “It has been another successful Fulda Challenge event. Each year the standard set by the competitors reaches new heights and 2005 was no exception. Now we look forward to 2006 – needless to say that the planning has already begun.”