Wild Racers - New Zealand

New Zealand comprises episodes 9 to 12 of Wild Racers series, that takes viewers on journey into the ultimate feat of endurance within the Adventure Racing World Series. Episode one lands us on the shores of Queenstown, New Zealand. The home of the Lord of the Rings saga’s is a fitting place to send our adventurers on a path through one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. The Teams – From the outset we are introduced to some of the most stunning and awe inspiring landscapes on earth. This is a true adventurers playground with open wind swept vistas and craggy impassable mountain ranges. Our teams make up some of the most experienced and inexperienced racers ever to gather for such an epic even. Exploring Queenstown & Familiarisation– Having such a diverse landscape we introduce the athletes to the viewers as well as taking them on a warm up for their journey ahead. Experiencing such an environment allows local and international teams alike to get a small taste of what will be required from them over the coming days. Travel with them through some truly majestic scenery whilst they test their equipment as well as their minds, whilst also checking out one another’s form. Race Registration and the Journey to the Start – As a ploy to keep the teams on edge they only receive their race maps and course notes en-route to the most prehistoric of locations for the beginning of this adventure. Milford Sound is a very daunting location let alone for a twilight start with towering glacial cliffs and misty rain adding to the mystique.

The first 24hours of any Adventure Challenge on the World Stage is the most debilitating, the more experienced teams work hard to open a lead that they feel will be hard to close down over the coming days. As they say when its go time … suffer. Leg 1 Kayak 15km – Just before first light our teams rally in the belly of the beast, the frigid waters of Milford Sound where they face a fast and furious kayak towards its shores. For some this is a foreign environment and the chaos of kayaking under headlamp becomes apparent. Leg 2 Mountain Bike 49km – From frigid waters we head onto the bikes along a mist drenched road that rivals some of the stages of the Tour de France. This epic tarmac leg weaves its way through the fiord-etched landscape and in so creating some epic battles so early into the race. At this stage it is more about mind games than physical prowess as our lead team start a charade of gamesmanship. Leg 3 Canoe 36km – New Zealand’s Elington River weaves its path through some epic vistas. Our teams, once off the bikes, face 36km of glacial flow. If all things were equal the snows should have subsided causing a high volume of water. Unfortunately the cold has created a slow current making conditions extremely tough. Never the less our lead team manage to make considerable time on their rivals, a testament to their experience.

Following on from a staggering day adventure, our teams now widely spread as a result of a blistering pace from the local New Zealand teams, face a formidable challenge. Dropping temperatures, gale force winds and extreme navigation all culminate in a truly epic journey. For those that seek adventure there is reward. For others there is just one option, survival. Leg 4 Trek 54km – The next 54km is like back to back marathons for out teams. The challenge of navigating through this brutalised landscape brings a turning point in the race. Some of the most experienced adventurers in the world face a significant challenge whilst those less experienced face a battle of survival to see out the night. Add to the mix the lack of sleep and pitch black conditions, this is adventure racing at its toughest. Leg 5 Mountain Bike 81km – Having battled through the long and arduous trek teams now face an 81km Mountain Bike that follows some of the most undulating topography in the region. Despite the cold and perpetual grades our teams begin to fight tooth and nail for positions with some finding limits never thoughts possible. Leg 6 Trek 48 km – With a phenomenal 48km trek ahead our teams now begin to face their own personal demons. The conditions, extended time between transitions and severe sleep deprivation are now taking a toll. Body’s are stretched to breaking point and characters are being tested. This is the most crucial part of the race with staggering changes to the leader board.

The list of teams drastically on the decline, this challenging course has brought many to their knees. Those that have risen again have found new found solace in the thought that the finish is in their sights. With each leg comes new challenges and new terrain to endure, both making life and times that more difficult. Leg 7 Mountain Bike 129km – Bodies bruised and feet no coming apart then next 129km Mountain Bike leg brings on fast terrain and a small sense of urgency as those being chased know that one wrong turn could change the course of the race. Taking in some of the most stunning vistas on earth the teams are treated to adventure racing in its purest form … all heading towards the valleys of middle earth. For some it’s a torturous drive to make the crucial time cut offs. Leg 8 Trek/Ropes 24km – With the final legs in sight what stands in the way of our teams is the formidable Earnslaw Burn. This vertical cascade or ridges is standing in the way of the homeward run and presents some staggering scenery and tortured terrain. For some this is a challenge to brutal whist others take heed of their abilities and surpass this epic challenge with gusto and a final rappel to the Rees Valley. Leg 9 Mountain Bike 20km – With the wind finally in their favour and the clear cut glacial valley ahead it proves to be the quiet before the storm for those on the final run into the finish. This is Mountain Biking at its finest, with flat sweeping terrain and stunning conditions. Could this be the time to bridge the gaps or have our lead teams pushed just too hard. Leg 10 Kayak 46km – Facing one of the worlds most spectacular kayaks our teams now face a monumental 46km kayak towards the frosty Queenstown shores. Conditions are clear but wind and currents are against the adventurers making going very tough. Could this be the last final hurdle to overcome or will our teams take it in their stride and forge a triumphant finish. In the end as dusk settles over a fiery vista our teams reach the completion of the journey. Some complete a personal saga whilst others feel this is just the beginning. This is Wild Racers and many will return next time. Stop number four on the adventure highway is Puntarenas, Costa Rica … Stay tuned.