'The Yukon Territory, Canada's true north, is the icy playground of an extreme arctic adventure; the Fulda Challenge. It is a gigantic test ground and a challenge for those who look for the extreme, for exceptional situations in exceptional conditions, for those who can master the impossible' ( Extreme Arctic Adventure, Heel, 2002 )
The Fulda Challenge is a unique alpine sporting event, created as a result of Fulda’s experience during its sponsorship of the Yukon Quest (1997-1999), the hardest dog race in the world. The idea for the Fulda Challenge began in the summer of 1999 – the aim was to create an event combining driving skills with sporting endeavour. The extreme climatic conditions of the territory make it the perfect location as a test ground for the company’s winter tires, but also as a challenge and endurance test for athletes.
Annually, teams from around the world, grab their skis, ice axes and crampons to embark on the gruelling snow-sport adventure. From skiing to ice climbing there is a chilling thrill for all winter sports enthusiasts. Competitors with a passion for speed and adventure will not be disappointed either. Driving is an essential aspect of the Fulda Challenge. Each team will navigate a 4x4 vehicle across the Yukon Territory for approximately five hours a day stopping only to compete in the various alpine and endurance events. Each vehicle will be equipped with tyres from Fulda's winter range to ensure complete safety and high performance when tackling the challenging driving conditions of the Yukon.
Tackling temperatures of - 35ºC , it's a real battle against nature, its unpredictable elements - and the inner self. In these polar conditions participants compete in several daunting challenges each day, from husky sledding, ice climbing, snowshoeing and skiing, to car pulling, changing tyres and frozen water skiing. And these are just some of the events that competitors have faced in previous years. Each challenge is designed to push both man and material to the limit.
Part of the FULDA Challenge is also a celebrity team. In 2005, the celebrity team featured rally champion Jutta Kleinschmidt and extreme sportsman Joey Kelly. The queen of the desert and Paris-Dakar champion Kleinschmidt is probably one of the most renowned rally drivers in the world today. In 1997 Joey Kelly completed the first triathlon in his life and since then he has been competing in extreme sport at the highest level. Today he is included in the Guinness Book of Records with an incredible record: he is the first athlete to complete all eight Ironman Triathlons in a single year.
Past winners:
2004: Team Canada
2005: Team Italy
In addition to the main sponsor Fulda, there are three other partners who support this one of a kind event; Toyota Germany GMBH and Toyota Canada, Inc, the government of the Yukon Territory and Thomas Cook powered by Condor.
For more information please visit www.FULDA-challenge.com