Elite Australian and international athletes are arriving in Adelaide ahead of the epic XPD Adventure Race across the Flinders Ranges.
Thirty teams of four competitors will start the race next Wednesday, with Japan, New Zealand and South America among the nations represented.
South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said competitors would cover the challenging 700-kilometre course in between five and 10 days.
“This is the first time the XPD Adventure Race has been held in South Australia, and it promises to showcase our spectacular state to an international audience,” Mr Harrex said.
“Teams will kayak, trek over salt lakes, mountain bike across arid outback landscapes and navigate to checkpoints, along with tackling a 100-metre vertical cliff face.
“It’s fantastic to see athletes gathering in South Australia for this exciting event and we wish everyone the best of luck.”
The XPD Adventure Race in South Australia is the seventh event in the 2013 Adventure Racing World Series, which began in Ecuador in February.
The event is expected to attract more than 170 competitors and supporters, plus 60 event crew and media.
“XPD Adventure Race competitors are given their route just 48 hours before the event begins and will be tracked live using satellite GPS technology,” Mr Harrex said.
“Racers will also be filmed for the television series Wild Racers, which will screen in Australia and internationally.
“Images of the beautiful Flinders Ranges will be beamed into homes around the world, with tourism attractions in Adelaide and across the state to also feature in the broadcast.”
Teams from each Australian state are taking part in the XPD Adventure Race. South Australia is represented by three teams, with SA Ambulance and Metropolitan Fire Service members among those taking part.
The fastest teams are expected to cross the finish line in Port Augusta on Monday 9 September.
“South Australia’s diverse landscapes make it ideally suited to host events such as the XPD Adventure Race,” Mr Harrex said.
“I have no doubt the Flinders Ranges will provide a stunning backdrop to the intense racing ahead.”
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