The South Australian Flinders Ranges and Outback is set to provide an iconic backdrop to the epic XPD Adventure Race, starting this Sunday 1st until 13th September 2013.
Teams of four competitors from Australia and around the globe will trek, mountain bike, and kayak for five to ten days in this world renowned expedition. These adventurers race day and night over a 700km course pushing themselves to the limits of human endurance. The winning team is expected to complete the course in 4-5 days, with all other teams being permitted up to 10 days to complete the expedition.
In the spirit of a true expedition, teams will be unsupported with their equipment, pre-packed in plastic trunks, being moved to various points on the course by the race organisers.
In a world first, the Australian round of the Adventure Racing World Series will give competitors a real inland experience with a lengthy trek across a vast and remote salt lake.
XPD Race Director Craig Bycroft said, “We are planning an incredible trek on a salt lake during the race. This will be a special part for every adventure racer. Teams will get a unique experience with only salt and sky as far as they can see!”
Organizers of the South Australian expedition race have also confirmed one of the largest ropes course ever assembled in the event’s history is included in the course.
“The ropes course has been six months in planning, and we have included a spectacular 100m ascent,” said XPD Operation Manager Louise Foulkes. “This will be one of the greatest physical and mental challenges in the race.”
On the mountain biking and trekking legs the course will cross a number of authentic working outback stations. The event has been able to receive support from various station owners which will allow teams to visit some exclusive places inaccessible to the general public.
“Some of these outback stations are so large it may take some teams more than a day to cross them,” said Bycroft.
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Throughout XPD, teams wear satellite tracking devices and this information is displayed on the live on the XPD website. Photographers, cameramen and journalists all travel to the event providing world class coverage of the race, including international television program Wild Racers.
XPD is a member of the AR World Series, which unites in competition the world’s best endurance athletes at premiere qualifier events around the globe. The top two teams at each of these races gain a coveted position on the start line of the annual pinnacle of the sport, the AR World Championship.
For more information visit southaustralia.com
