Posted: August 2, 2004

Adventure Racing: World Championship 2004 - Port aux Basques, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada Race Update

As night fell, the pace of the lead teams slowed to the pace of the main field.

Canada’s Supplierpipeline lost its first place as it struggled to find checkpoint 3 in the dark. Montrail (USA) checked in first at 21.02. Following hot on their heels was Nokia Adventure (Fin), Reebok Maxim (Swe) and GoLite Timberland (USA).

As the night grew darker, the fog grew thicker on the top of Western Gunflop Hill, and this hindered their navigation visibility. All teams have now passed through checkpoint 2, though one team won’t be continuing.

George Liscic from Strike Anywhere (Can) was held at checkpoint 2 for medical reasons. He had been suffering from suspected heat stroke, but his condition is now stable. Race management has sent in Canadian Forces Search & Rescue technicians to assess his condition, however weather conditions around Burgeo have delayed access to CP 2. Search & Rescue from Stephenville were then able to evacuated at first light. His team is likely to continue the race as a 3-person team.

At the front of the race teams arrived at Check Point 4 North Bay from 02.28 – Montrail and Nike/ACG being the first. The dark zone was in effect as of 9 pm on the water section for safety purposes. Seven teams were held at this checkpoint. These teams are Montrail, Nike, Merrell Zanfel, Reebok Maxim, Cross Sportswear, Nokia Adventure and GoLite Timberland (in order of arrival).

Teams will kayak today out of North Bay to the community of La Poile round the Southern Coastline to Rose Blanche via Indian Harbour. Teams will skirt numerous reefs along this coastline, staying on the inside at all times. The rain and fog have not slowed down the lead teams, which are still in a tight pack - these teams are 3 1/2 hours ahead of time estimates.

The race can be followed on www.arworldchampionship.com and also on /www.sleepmonsters.com.

Background information
The 2004 ADVENTURE RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP is the championship event for the Adventure Racing World Series of eight premier international races, including the Beast of the East (USA), Raid the North Extreme (Canada), Ecomotion /Pro (Brazil), Explore Sweden (Sweden), Appalachian Extreme (USA), Southern Traverse (New Zealand), European Championship Adventure Race (Austria), and Adventure Quest Africa (South Africa). The world's top teams were invited to compete in the 2004 ADVENTURE RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP based on winning placements and qualifying criteria of the Adventure Racing World Series races, with the remainder of the 50 teams selected via an application process.

About Frontier Adventure Racing Inc.:
Frontier Adventure Racing Inc. (FAR Inc.) is the leading adventure racing company in Canada, operating the popular Raid the North and Salomon Adventure Challenge series. Now in its seventh year of operation, FAR Inc. has established an international reputation for solid logistics and challenging race courses. Providing traditional wilderness adventure race experiences has been FAR Inc.'s focus since day one. Often building courses around the history and traditions of the regions competitors travel through, FAR Inc. remains true to its slogan: Real Wilderness. Real Navigation. Real Adventure.