Bangkok--18 Apr--Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
The Land Rover G4 Challenge is a tough 4x4 driving and global multi-sport adventure competition that runs along stunning urban and remote locations. Spanning 4 countries and 4 time zones, this 4-week adventure challenge will have competitors from 18 countries testing their limits under extreme conditions.
On Sunday, April 23, at Sanam Luang Park, in the heart of the thriving metropolis of Bangkok, 18 competitors will eagerly await the signal announcing the start of the 2006 Land Rover G4 Challenge. The Challenge, which lasts 28 days, will see the 16 men and two women 4x4 drive, climb, kayak, abseil, bike and navigate their way over 4000 km of varied terrain in four countries, across two continents.
The urban competition kicks off the Land Rover G4 Challenge in Bangkok. Then, the competition ventures north into Laos for two-weeks of remote activity within the steamy mountains and valleys around the Mekong River where the jungle, mud, water and river crossings will provide an exciting array of 4x4 driving and multi-sport challenges.
On May 5, the Challenge crosses the world to Brazil for the start of Stage 3 and a spectacular activity staged on the crowded beaches of Rio de Janeiro. It then gets tougher moving on to Bolivia. Climbing the Andes Mountain range to altitudes of over 4000m and taking in such natural wonders as the vast salt plains of Salar de Uyuni, the event reaches its climax with the Challenge Final in a stunning remote natural amphitheatre near the city of Tarija. It is in this setting that the 18 competitors will complete the adventure and the ultimate victor of the 2006 Land Rover G4 Challenge will claim a brand new Range Rover.
"The terrain of Laos and Bolivia will ensure some really challenging driving," explains Niki Davies, event director for the Land Rover G4 Challenge. "With very few tarmac roads, competitors will encounter deep rutted tracks, slippery mud crawls, slow winch sections and deep river crossings — the perfect environment for our vehicles!"
In total there will be 134 Land Rovers working in a variety of roles to support the 2006 Challenge. The competitors will use the all-new Range Rover Sport 4.4-litre V8 HSE in Southeast Asia, the 3-door 2.5-litre V6 SE Freelander during the Urban Challenge in Rio de Janeiro and then the wilds of Bolivia will be tackled in the 4.4-litre V8 Discovery 3 HSE.
Training has been intense for the 18 competitors, as they prepare to push themselves to the limit in temperatures ranging from + 40 degree humidity to -20 and extreme altitude. Their physical fitness, sporting and driving skills will need to be complimented with an ability to apply initiative and strategy to every situation.
“For months I have thought of nothing else," says Brazilian competitor, Eleonora Audra. "Every time I trained, I imagined being on the Land Rover G4 Challenge. I did it. It is a dream to represent my country and to have a chance to be the first woman to win the G4 Challenge. I am the happiest woman in the world!”
The field of 18 competitors includes a fire-fighter, paramedic, lifeguard, army instructor, and graphic designer.
Throughout the Challenge, progress of each of the 18 competitors will be available on a daily basis from www.landroverG4challenge.com .
Issued on behalf of : Land Rover Thailand
For more information : Nisarat Chaimongkolcha
( [email protected] )
Tel. 0-2719-9940-2 ext. 107
Ruanruedee Taweepol
( [email protected] )
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Limited
Tel. 0-2205-6620