breaking trail - making it happen

Breaking Trail is about making it happen.

TRANS WORLD SPORT COVERAGE ANNOUNCED!

CATCH THE BOYS IN ACTION ON THE ICE!

RECOVERED!!

Having been back for a couple of months, the lads are recovered from the trip and are back into the swing of things at home. Below are some snaps from the ice.

A MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS - YOU CAN'T PUT ON A TRIP LIKE THIS WITHOUT A GREAT DEAL OF SUPPORT AND WE'VE HAD SOME FANTASTIC HELP FROM OUR SPONSORS:

Midland HR & Payroll Solutions (www.midlandhr.com)

Pure Recruitment
(www.purerecruitment.com)

Terrace Hill (www.terracehill.co.uk)

Suffolk Marine Centre (01728 605522)

Inner Circle

Sport Nutrition (www.activenutrition.co.uk)

More photos from the trip to follow shortly!

LATEST UPDATES FROM THE ICE

Finish Line Elation!

02/05/06 - Team Diary: Back to Civilisation...

'We're back in (relative) civilisation! We took a Twin Otter flight from the finish line this morning, and arrived back in Resolute Bay to a cracking feed and reclining chairs. Basically the two things we've thought about most since we started. We'll be here for a few days before flying back to the UK at the
weekend.

We're all in good shape, and looking forward to catching up more on lost sleep, but feeling relaxed and satisfied. We had a fantastic reception at the finish line from the Challenge staff, and from ATP and Gosh It's Cold, who deserve a huge mention each for a fantastic effort. It would be easier to dislike them for beating us in if they weren't such nice chaps, and such worthy adversaries. It was also great to see ITV and Claverdon Lions over the line, with the rest of the field not far behind. All pics will be up on the site asap.

So how do we feel right now? There were some teams who started this race with the intention of doing everything to win (we were one of those) and some who wanted to get the full experience of existing in this unbelievable environment. What has shone out most on getting safely to the end is exactly that. Everyone is safe so far, and we have every confidence that the remainder will be too. All the teams have experienced times when they have had to put the race second in order to maintain their health and well-being, and have had to make those decisions in pretty harsh conditions. We've come away with that as the overwhelming lesson, and that is as satisfying as any other.

We've been amazed and deeply touched by the number of messages and people following us, and want to say a massive thank you to you all. It kept us going through some dark days, and made our smiles wider on the brighter ones.

We hope to see as many of you as possible on return, and don't forget to check out the site for pictures of our arrival at the finish, and others from the trip, which will be appearing shortly!

Best wishes to you all from a mild (we now love minus 12 with only a small wind-chill factor) Resolute Bay.

Alex, Jeremy and Andrew'

02/05/06 - THE NEXT STEP - The team expect to be arriving at London Heathrow on Saturday morning at 10.30am, though this could change dependant on weather conditions. The boys will be resting up and re-fuelling in Ottawa for the next few days, before making the final leg of their incredible journey, back home. The team can still receive messages via andrew@breakingtrail.co.uk and any donations to their charity, the British Heart Foundation will be so gratefully received by clicking the following link: http://www.bhf.org.uk/sponsor/breakingtrail/. Details to follow of a stonking welcome home party!!

They've done it!! Breaking Trail gain 3rd place after 15 gruelling days of racing.

30/04/06 - BREAKING TRAIL FINISH THE SONY POLAR CHALLENGE 2006 IN 3rd PLACE!! - At 3am this morning, Breaking Trail crossed the finish line to become the 3rd team to complete this year's Polar Challenge! The boys are currently being held at the finish line as more bad weather has come in meaning the plane has been grounded until the weather improves. They are expecting this to be in 2-3 days times. Having spoken to the team, they are all well though tired and wanted to express their thanks to everyone who has sent messages of support and have followed their progress. Photos of Breaking Trail at the finish line will follow soon...

30/04/06 - 3RD PLACE WITHIN REACH - They've passed through the 1996 Magnetic North Pole location and Breaking Trail are now within arms reach of the finish line. They may even be crossing it right now! With their no-limits approach, the team have said they'll keep going all night if they have to to get there. What an incredible race! Read the latest from the boys...

29/04/06 - Team Diary: Day 14...

'We stole the good weather last night after navigating our way over the Noice Penisula through an Arctic blizzard and we were forced to bed early from getting just a little bit too cold. But it meant that we could rise early this morning to glorious morning sunshine. And skied an amazing 8 miles to the Magnetic Pole where we stopped briefly for a few photos and a quick group hug and our arrival at the finish line is now about 3 and a half miles away. It has suddenly turned a bit cold so we are going to put in a quick burst for the finish line – final sprint, and it’s a mixture of anticipation I guess, but also relief for ourselves and our bodies. We will speak to you all soon, thanks for all your support, Alex, Jeremy and Andrew.'

27/04/06 - BREAKING TRAIL ON THE HOME STRAIGHT - With the first team (ATP) expected to reach the Magnetic North Pole sometime tomorrow, Breaking Trail are also likely to be facing their last, or maybe last-but-one, night on skis. The boys are currently battling it out with team GOSH It's Cold to take the prestigious second place in the race. The unforgiving terrain has undoubtedly pushed each one of them to their absolute physical and mental limits, yet astoundingly they appear to have kept up the team moral and chirpy banter. They've had a superb race so far, having been a top competitor since day one. They will now be into their final haul and focusing whole heartedly on the bacon butties that await them at the Mag North Pole... what a prize to aim for! Whatever their final position, Breaking Trail have shown that they're 'ard as nails!!! They deserve every greasy bite of their prize! Please send any messages for the team to andrew@breakingtrail.co.uk a.s.a.p. Until the next exciting update...

Finally out of the ice rubble and going hard for home

26/04/06 - Team Diary: Day 11...

'There were tears before bedtime last night in Camp 2 as we read through the messages from people back home. Thankyou so much for your fantastic support it means a hell of a lot out here. We’re still walking across Arctic wasteland, can’t believe we’re still on the frozen ocean, white out conditions are still causing comedy spills, when your feet and your skis end up above your head before you’ve hit the ground. Just finished through a 10 mile ice rubble field which is by far the hardest we’ve been through, hopefully it will be one of the last we will see. We’re looking forward to standing at the pole in the next few hours or even days. Lots of Love Andrew, Alex and Jeremy.'

25/04/06 - Team Diary: Day 10...

'Character building is probably how we would describe the ski from checkpoint 1 to cp2 the weather closed in on us and the cloud cover has taken away the sunshine that lit our path over Bathurst. The causes a very flat, horrid light which makes it almost impossible to make out contours on the landscape. This has led to frequent cartoon like stories and a mesmerized dream like state while navigating. A spot on the horizon looks like all the others surrounding it, almost like concentrating on something that doesn’t exist. We are however all in good nick, and looking forward to the bacon sandwich provided by the Venture Challenge staff, and standing at the Magnetic Pole in the imminent future. Lots of Love Alex, Jeremy and Andrew.'

22/04/06 - PUSHING ON THROUGH WHITE-OUT - Having re-fuelled with food and much-needed sleep at CP1, Breaking Trail are now pushing on through their second day of white-out conditions enroute to CP2. Andrew, Alex & Jeremy are currently in joint second place with ATP, closely behind team ITV Arctic Seals. The race is proving to be extremely close and is pushing the teams to their physical limits, as shown when Breaking Trail mustered incredible stamina to ski for 21 hours non-stop, covering an massive 40 nautical miles to reach CP1 in first place! Having cleared the gruelling hills of Bathurst Island the boys are now in for a long stretch of skiing over sea ice. Click the link to see the latest team positions: http://www.polar-challenge.com/live.asp?articleID=234

A victorious Breaking Trail arrive at CP 1

21/04/06 - Team Diary: Day 6... Breaking Trail WIN first section!

'We arrived at CP1 to a fantastic welcome from the challenge staff, even more satisfying was the fact that our efforts over the previous couple of days have been rewarded when we saw that we were first to arrive at CP1. We could get used to hot chocolate and toast out here, but we only had a quick debrief in the comfort of another tent before we set to getting ourselves rested ready for the next stage. We are currently enroute to CP2 and have had to make an unscheduled pit stop to make running repairs. We will use the opportunity to fully recharge for the effort ahead. All’s well on the northern front. Alex, Jeremy and Andrew.'

21/04/06 - WILL BREAKING TRAIL TAKE THE LEAD? - It's exciting stuff!! Latest news is that Breaking Trail seem to be on course to pip the current leaders (team GOSH It's Cold) to the post and take the lead in time to be the first team to reach Checkpoint 1. Temperatures have dropped, the wind has picked up and the boys will be facing a tougher challenge for the next few days. They're likely to arrive at CP1 either later today or tomorrow morning dependng on weather. The team have had a fantastic race so far having been in the leading group since the start line. Can they do it? They'll be digging hard with every step and now have a real chance of leading the pack. Good work boys!!!

20/04/06 - Team Diary: Day 5...

'Psychological battle of the last few days has been as hard as the physical one over the brutal hills of Bathurst Island. The undulations were only interrupted by a stunning Sunset arrival at Polar Bear Pass, as much another world as any of us have seen. The island was hard work but rewarding. And on getting back onto the sea ice we pushed through the night skiing for 21 hours to try to gain the advantage. With only a few miles to go till Check Point 1 we were hoping it had paid off. All’s well, no frost bite in bad places. Lots of Love Alex Jeremy and Andrew.'

18/04/06 - Team Diary: Day 3...

'An Olympic start found us reaching Bathurst Island first. We camped and had a cold first night and woke up this morning in fourth place. We’re currently battling through the hills of Bathurst Island where its difficult because if you sweat too much you get seriously cold. We’re about to enter Polar Bear pass in second place so all eyes are looking all around. Thanks very much for your messages which we read last night in our first night in camp, keep them coming. Lots of love the boys.'

(GIVE THE TEAM A MORAL BOOST!! Please send messages of support to andrew@breakingtrail.co.uk where they'll be forwarded to the team in time for Checkpoint 1.)

Going off on the 'B' of the BANG! Breaking Trail make a strong start in the SONY Polar Challenge 2006.

17/04/06 - RACE DAY 2 - The latest news from the Arctic is that Breaking Trail are out in the front of the pack along with teams Polar Storm and Calm Down. As the race progresses, Breaking Trail will have to show excellent navigational skills in order to minimise course error and maintain their lead. With teams expected to take different tracks, Breaking Trail are now out on their own until reaching Checkpoint 1.

Team Breaking Trail in high spirits!

16/04/06 - THE RACE IS ON! Today's the day!! Teams are now at the start line and will race off into the Arctic wilderness this afternoon after a gruelling 4-day trek to reach Polaris Mine. Harsh initial conditions were followed by sunshine and clear blue skies and Team Breaking Trail seem to be loving every minute of their time on the ice. Jeremy, Alex and Andrew will now be finalising vital race tactics and carrying out the last of their team preparations before the starting pistol fires later on today. GOOD LUCK TEAM!! The boys are likely to publish their first update on Tuesday. Watch this space...

Read their own account of the past few days below..

15/04/06 - Team Diary: One Day to Go...

'Breaking Trail are loving the Arctic! Arctic fox and polar bear tracks yesterday, polar bear poo the day before whatever next? After the events of the first day on skis the weather has been peachy and we can hardly believe “it’s really the Arctic!” Only 1 more day and 13 miles before the race is on. We can’t wait. p.s. please give generously to the British Heart Foundation.' A, A & J

10/04/06 - Team Diary: Baptism of fire...

'We spoke to a local man here in Resolute the day before yesterday who told us that in 25 years of being here he'd never known anyone in such a rush to get out in the current conditions as our group was. We walked out for a 2-night mini-expedition with a relatively warm still-air temperature of around minus 15, but with the wind chill taking it down to around minus 45 and heavy snow falling from a moody sky. We now fully understand the term 'white-out'. At times we couldn't separate land from sky, with the wind relentlessly in our faces. Today is in huge contrast. Stunning blue skies and bright sun, around minus 30 still air temperature, but no wind to speak of. It's incredible how quickly conditions can change. We've also had our first experience of walking across ice rather than snow, which offers much less traction on the skis. The sound seems hollow, and when crossing very thin cracks that run out for miles in either direction you can peer down to see a thick layer of ice above the frozen sea. Now back in the hotel, we've got a few minor adjustments to make to kit and provisions before we head out tomorrow afternoon for the walk to the start.

We're feeling good and strong within the team. We've been using our spare time well, making adjustments to kit inside the tent (it's amazing how a single gas burner can warm the ambient temperature up enough to sit without a top on!), talking tactics and joking with each other in equal measure. We're very nearly ready to take it on, and tomorrow, at last, we'll be on our way'.

Alex, Jeremy and Andrew

Off to find the start line!

NEW!! CHECK THEIR PROGRESS AT THE LIVE RACE AREA!

Click on the link http://www.polar-challenge.com/ to access the Sony Polar Challenge 2006 Live Race Area, which provides the latest exciting news from the ice, team positions and team diaries.

To see the latest photos of the boys in action, click here http://www.polar-challenge.com/livegall.asp?articleID=246

Where are they? The link http://www.polar-challenge.com/live.asp?articleID=234 will show you the daily position of Team Breaking Trail and all other teams from the start of the race on 16th April.

Remember, you can now make a donation to the British Heart Foundation via our new link http://www.bhf.org.uk/sponsor/breakingtrail/ (please visit the Charities page for more details).

PREVIOUS UPDATES

12/04/06 - Teams began the 65-mile trek to the startline yesterday after a final night of comfort and warmth in a Resolute hotel. They will now be on the ice for the next 3 weeks, pulling their own provisions in pulks behind them and navigating their way across the desolate landscape. The images and video footage now available on the SONY Polar Challenge website (www.polar-challenge.com) show you exactly what the boys have been up to and provide some vivid images of the conditions and incredible scenery. The team are continually having to adapt to the extreme environment as still air temperatures dropped to -35C on the final day of the pre-race expedition. If weather conditions remain favourable, Breaking Trail are likely to arrive at the start line in Polaris Mine on Friday 14th, with the race beginning the following day. On last contact, the team were extremely excited and geared up for a fast race. They'll be pushing hard for a victorious trip!!

09/04/06 - Andrew, Alex and Jeremy have now entered the acclimatization stage and will spend their first night under the stars tonight. Brrrrrrr! Conditions are said to be very windy which meant the first challenge was putting the tent up without it blowing away. They've now received an array of lectures to ensure that they are fully prepared for the arctic environment, including training from Matty McNair, the world's most experienced female polar guide. No doubt, they're all raring to go.

TRAINING UPDATE!!

Austria Training Week

A superb week organised by the Polar Challenge people. We got a taster of tent life, got (very) cold and wet, melted snow for drinking water and met a very decent bunch of people.

Full details on the News page and more photos on the Images page!

Still to come:

More tyre-pulling antics and time on the feet will provide the mainstay of our training until we leave for Canada on April 4th.

POLAR CHALLENGE 2006

The team is currently in training for the Polar Challenge 2006 - a 350-mile endurance race to the Magnetic North Pole, through one of the world's harshest environments.