PRE RACE UPDATE
The Last Desert (Antarctica) 2018 got underway on Friday, 23 November when participants boarded the expedition ship in Ushuaia to head to Antarctica!
The first Stage is set to take place on King George Island and should be begin around 6 am on Monday, 26 November lasting for some 12 hours, if weather is favourable.
After pre-race briefings and events competitors boarded the MV Plancius expedition ship for a relatively un-eventful crossing of the infamous Drake Passage – rolling 6 meter waves and 15-20 knots winds is considered calm in this part of the world. Activities included lectures about the history, wildlife and geogrpahy of Antarctica, vacuuming all equipment that will go on shore, sleeping and wildlife spotting. Competitors were treated to a 20-minute show by Fin Whales which are second in size to Blue Whales. These giant animals travel at 25-30 knots which is twice as fast as the M/V Plancius could sail!
For Kan, Chao Chun (Jim) this is something he has waited for long: “Not a lot of people can make it to Antarctica. The fact that I can do the race, and in such a special place makes it even more amazing. I’m the first person in my family to make it here, which makes it super special.”
There are 29 countries represented in the race. Malaysia, Belgium, Romania, Finland, Guatemala and the Netherlands will be represented for the first time in Antarctica and the 4 Deserts Club! The race is also on for the 4 Deserts Champions who will also be crowned at The Last Desert! Among the group are 12 Grand Slam competitors who have completed 750km / 465 miles of racing across 4 Deserts course already this year.
Special mention to blind competitor Vladmi Dos Santos who is returning to his 7th race with RacingThePlanet and Team 5 Legs Never Quit which includes Mr. Fung, an amputee.
In anticipation of the first landing, competitors had a briefing on what to expect on shore tomorrow and subsequent days. Everyone feels that it is a privilege to be here, and therefore we want to keep the area as untouched as possible.
The first Stage is set to take place on King George Island and should be begin around 6 am on Monday, 26 November lasting for some 12 hours, if weather is favourable.
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For intermediate updates during each stage have a look at the Breaking News and our social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
For intermediate updates during each stage have a look at the Breaking News and our social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
