Carlton Dry Signs Multi Year Sponsorship Deal

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand (17 May 2012) – The ultimate adventure lifestyle event in snow sports, the World Heli Challenge, returns to Wanaka, New Zealand from August 1st to 16th, 2012.

“The World Heli Challenge is much more than just another snow sports competition,” says event founder Tony Harrington (Harro).  “We pioneered the adventure lifestyle concept that is just now being embraced by international events such as the X Games.  The World Heli Challenge brings people, art, creativity, lifestyle and cultural experiences to New Zealand’s Lake Wanaka and the towering peaks that surround it.”

World Heli Challenge is pleased to announce a new major sponsor and welcome Carlton Dry into an exciting multi year partnership with the event.

“Carlton Dry is pumped to be part of the most aspirational alpine event in the world”, said Andrew Meldrum, General Marketing Manager of Carlton Brands.

“The World Heli Challenge provides us with world class content to share with our consumers whilst significantly strengthening our extensive winter programme. We are looking forward to being part of this incredible event.”

Marker/Voelkl, International and Volkl NZ, are founding partners of the event and continue to provide valued support as major sponsors in 2012.

“It is a perfect event for our athletes,” said Jean-Claude Pedrolini (Schinka), Voelkl Freeski Manager.   “It is not only about skiing at the top level and competing, it also encompasses the values and passion our athletes bring to their chosen sport.”

“The grass-roots genesis of the World Heli Challenge and the media coverage it now delivers globally makes it one of the most interesting events on the planet; it has passion, action, adventure and creativity all in one package.  We see events like these as the way of the future.

“Each year, since the revival of the event in 2009, we have been able give athletes and spectators more,” said Harro. “Last year we added the photographers and cinematographers shootout, a Showcase Awards night, a Young Guns competition and a revolutionary online judging format. This year we plan to webcast the Showcase Awards live so we can reach audiences anywhere in the world and, with the addition of Young Gun Ambassadors in both ski and snowboard, we will further boost our Young Guns’ engagement in the event.”

The athlete list will, as always, read like a who’s who for skiing and snowboarding.

“Word of mouth amongst the international athlete community has been incredible,” says Harro.  “Many of the world’s iconic and current champions have already expressed interest in taking part in this year’s event and we can’t wait to create something unforgettable for them down in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.”

“It’s been a long and sometimes hard road getting the event back on its feet but to see it now – it’s all been worth it,” said Harro.  “Everything is falling into place and we are looking forward to our most successful event ever.”

There is currently an open call for athletes interested in participating.  Those interested should contact Tony Harrington at harro@worldhelichalleng.com.

This is the first of many announcements as the World Heli Challenge builds out to a full international festival.  There will be many more announcements in the lead up to the event.

Win with Em’s – share our link and like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/adventuremagnz and 5 lucky winners will win a prize pack from Em’s!

“Fuel you adventure with Em’s! Created by Emily Miazga, Nutritionist and 3x World Multisport Champion. Em’s contain dark chocolate, dried fruits, and low GI oats for sustained energy. Available at all good cycle and outdoor stores. www.powercookies.com”

1st stage of the Sky World Series Ultra-Running

For months, this race was anticipated, all the world’s best athletes would meet for the first time on a race of 83km and more than 4000m elevation. Apart from Iker karrera who had won the event with Miguel Heras last year, nobody knew the route, so all the other runners were on the same footing.

Shortly before 6:00 am, south of the island, a huge crowd was beginning to gather behind the starting line. 1200 runners from 22 different countries were given appointments to attend what would be an historic race for the evolution of the trail running in the world. From the amateur to the elite, every athlete was proud and full of emotion to be part of this adventure.

The departure was given in a dark night and the broom head lamps could start at the foot of the first section that would be a difficult 18km with 2000m of elevation gain! The ground was soft, like the volcanic sand, and everyone was looking for the best place to have better foot support… Without success. The first stop was held at KM7, and what a surprise to see a large crowd gathered along one kilometer at night, they had come to encourage all athletes! The road opened gradually as the audience departed, and the fervor of the public added the finishing touch to this exceptional day. The whole village seemed to be in the streets, and children, still in pajamas and not quite awake, watching this show with lots of stars in eyes.

Florent Troillet (Switzerland) had decided to take the race in hand by imposing a steady pace from the start. Only Jornet (Spain), Dakota Jones (USA), Ikerkarrera (Spain) and Mike Wolfe (USA) were able to follow him in this ascenscion endless. A little further, we found those who had decided to better manage their efforts with Andy Symonds (UK), Thomas Lorblanchet (France), Geoff Roes (USA).

At KM10, Dakota Jones imposed its rhythm, and only able to follow was Kilian. From that moment, these two runners traverse much of the race set before being joined by Andy Symonds at KM71 in favor of a long descent.

This began a new race to victory, anything was possible for each of these runners. Andy was the first of three to go on the offensive in this descent of 20km. Dakota arrives at the bottom of this descent 20″ behind, while Kilian suffered discomfort in the heat, no longer thought of victory.

Finally, Dakota left the valley floor at a very steady pace to catch up with Andy and give him 20 “before tackling the final climb towards the finish.

This is a very good win for Dakota who won for the first time on an international event. At 21, he stands out as the great rival of Jornet for years to come. No doubt we will see big duels between these two runners in the future.

For women, a little suspense with Anna Frost (New Zealand) who has dominated discussion during the start of the race and finish 13th in the scratch before Mike Wolfe! A new enormous performance from Anna who dominates the specialty of 50 miles since 2010. Yesterday, between km 57.8 and km83.3, she realized the 8th best timing overall ! She will be able to compete with the male soon ; )

2011, The North Face 100 start line (above)

Australia’s 100km endurance trail running test-piece, staged in the heart of the spectacular Blue Mountains National Park, returns for its 5^th year in a row on May 19^th. Again attracting a sell-out field with no less than 1000 ultra-marathon athletes, trail-runners, and passionate outdoors-people, including an array of top international athletes and a strong contingent of local talent.

Of the internationals visitors, The North Face athlete, Jez Bragg will be making his debut trip to Australia for the competition. Jez has topped multiple ultra podiums including The Fellsman and the highly coveted 166km UltraTrail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) in Chamonix, France.

“I’m hugely excited to be running The North Face 100 in Australia this May. It will be my first trip down under so will be a real adventure in many different ways – as well as being a visiting runner, I will also be a tourist! What better way is there to explore some of the beautiful scenery Australia has to offer than to run a classic 100km trail race through the Blue Mountains? It will challenging to tackle a course that I know little about, and to run in conditions which I am not used to, but that is all part of the sense of adventure and excitement that comes with international trail racing. It’s also a race which attracts a stronger international field year-on-year, so I’m expecting plenty of competition, and some intense racing.”

The North Face athlete, Jez Bragg (above)

“It’s a great honour to represent The North Face and be a member of their Global Athlete Team. Their brand ethos fits perfectly with what I love about ultra-running – to travel, explore and push the boundaries of what’s possible. The team has athletes from all different types of adventure sports – many of whom are top of their respective fields, and really are pushing it to the limit every day.”

At the sharp end of the field, alongside Jez Bragg, is returning 2011 3^rd place getter Ryan Sandes from South Africa who has stepped up his game and is in fine form and gunning for a record breaking finish. Holding it down for the local scene is a host of Australia’s top male and female runners, including 2009 and 2010 winner Andrew Lee, regular top ten finisher Mick Donges, current Six Foot Track Marathon record holder Ben Artup, as well as female course record holder and 2011 champion Julie Quinn. All of which will be out to give the internationals a hard earned lesson.

This year, for support crews and spectators Checkpoint 3 – Six Foot Track, located in the Megalong Valley, will be a hive of activity. It is the first opportunity for support crews and supporters to see their runners having just completed the first 54km of gruelling course. For those looking to witness the winners cross the finish line it is estimated the winners will finish between 3:45pm and 4:45pm.

For the next generation of budding trail runners, the 2012 event will see the return of the popular 1km for Kids – a 1km trail run on Sunday 20^th May from the same start/finish line as the main event, kids of all ages will be given a race number just like the pro’s and encouraged to take part in the action.

About The North Face 100®:

The North Face 100 is an annual 100km ultra-marathon trail running event located in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park of Australia. It has been held since 2008 and has grown to become one of the most talked about endurance events of its kind. The North Face 100 now forms part of a series of similar events throughout Asia-Pacific region. For more information, visit the event website: www.thenorthface.com.au/100

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The Ingkerreke Commercial Mountain Bike Enduro is set to wheel into action in Alice Spring  with mountain bike riders from across Australia set to compete in the seven-stage, five day race from Monday 14 May through to the exciting finale on Friday 18 May at the Telegraph Station.

WHAT: Ingkerrekke Commercial Mountain Bike Enduro

Day 01: 42km + 300metre hill climb on Anzac Hill

Day 02: 49km

Day 03: 77km
Day 04: 23km Time Trial + 23km night race

Day 05: 40km

# A race report will be released daily.

# Images available daily.

For on-ground information or to arrange interviews with riders:

Sam Maffett, General Manager, MOB: 0400 001 786

John Jacoby, Race Director, MOB:  0408 035 261

For general information or to arrange rider interviews:

Chris Ord, Media & Marketing, MOB: 0430 376 621

For TV coverage and vision feed queries (vision available Mon, Wed, Fri):

Sharon Payne, Bike Media, MOB: 0412 773 500

Buy one set and get your second set FREE just by mentioning you saw this advert in Adventure Mag or on our website.

THE ORIGINAL EASY FIT WINTER TRACTION SOLUTION

AutoSock: textile wheel covers for Cars and Trucks

Competitively Priced

Approved for use on NZ roads.

AutoSock is the high tech solution to an age old problem – how to give road tyres the grip they need on ice and snow to get you home?
AutoSock is a textile wheel cover with an elasticated edge. You just slip them over your cars driving wheels when you find yourself getting stuck. (“Yes – it really is this easy” and “Yes, of course they work!”) Be prepared for the winter by carrying a set of AutoSock in your car today.
•AutoSock is quick and simple to fit.
•They are light (less than 1kg) and compact taking up minimal space.
•They are reusable, providing value for money for years to come.
Where do I use AutoSock?
The product can be used almost anywhere where there is snow or ice.
• When surprised by sudden snow falls or slippery roads
• Driving from your home to the main road
• Driving in uncleared residential areas to the main road
• In areas where snow chains are required

How well do they work?
Astonishingly well! AutoSock is more effective than winter tyres (and a lot cheaper). AutoSock is also more effective than snow chains in certain situations, especially on ice. Tested and formally approved by e.g. Audi BMW, Citroen, Fiat, Honda, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Subaru, Toyota, Mazda, Lexus Volkswagen, as well as by several European road transport research institutes and the German TÜV, and approved by the NZ LTSA.

What sort of conditions can I use them in?
They’ll improve traction on any snow or ice – even in soft, deep snow, or in wet snow. It’s recommended that you take them off when you get back to tarmac, although the reality is that they probably will be driven on tarmac during those intermittent tarmac / snow / tarmac / snow conditions experienced before leaving the snow for good. (The TÜV test included 50 kilometres at 50 kph on dry tarmac. AutoSock passed this “Misuse test”, but of course tarmac driving is not recommended as it increases fabric wear considerably.)

What’s it like, driving with AutoSock?
Silent and smooth, as you’d expect. There’s none of the loud rattling and bumpy ride associated with snow chains. They are approved for speeds up to 30mph / 50kph; this is faster than is recommended with snow chains.

Conclusion
•It’s recommended that users of rear wheel drive cars should also fit a set to the front wheels to provide better directional stability, especially under braking.
• Provides unique grip on snow and ice.
• Easy to fit and convenient to use.
• Suits every profile of end user.
• Requires minimal storage space.
• Delivers safety when driving in difficult winter conditions.
• Environmentally sustainable product.
• Fits vehicles that can’t fit snow chains.
• Suitable for vehicles with low clearances between the tyre and the body.
• Does not disturb electronic safety systems (ESP, ABS)
• Is being approved as an equivalent to snow chains in more and more countries.
• Produced to the highest quality levels
• Radical Norwegian car innovation

Where can I purchase AUTOSOCK?

Würth New Zealand Ltd
42 Hobill Avenue, Manukau
45 Durham Street Christchurch
PO Box 97079, Manukau 2241
T +64 9 262 3040
F +64 9 262 3030
www.wurth.co.nz

The search for a Dunedin tramper missing since Saturday is expected to continue on Thursday.

David Charles Palmer, 53, hasn’t been seen since heading for what was meant to be a three to four-hour tramp in the remote and rugged Ahuriri Valley near Omarama, 113km northwest of Oamaru.

Search and rescue teams along with police began searching for Mr Palmer on Sunday evening, using a helicopter with night vision equipment and ground teams with a tracking dog.

On Wednesday about 50 volunteers and police officers from Dunedin, Queenstown and Central Otago combed the rugged and remote terrain around the Dingleburn Track in cold weather.

The area includes beech forest and bush line tussock up to about 1800 metres in altitude.

Police used three dog teams and two helicopters, including the Airforce Iroquois, dropped ground search teams into the area.

The search is expected to resume at first light on Thursday.

Police and search and rescue say they remain hopeful of finding Mr Palmer.

Army joins search for missing tramper

An Airforce Iroquois and a team of seven Army staff will join the search today for a missing Dunedin tramper.

David Palmer went into the Ahuriri Valley on Saturday for what was supposed to be a three to four hour tramp – but failed to return.

Fifty Search and Rescue volunteers and police staff from Dunedin, Queenstown and Central Otago took part in yesterday’s search effort for the 53-year-old.

Today’s search will resume at first light.

Inquest into snowboarder’s death begins

An inquest into the death of an Australian snowboarder who plunged about 100 metres down an icy ravine into rocks behind the Mt Cheeseman Ski Area is set to get underway on Tuesday.

In August last year Tim Stone, 29, originally from Sydney, slipped down a slope in an unpatrolled basin, near Christchurch and died two days later from extensive head injuries.

The keen snowboarder and two friends had just finished a morning boarding and were climbing out without their snowboards on when the accident happened.

One companion, Tod Mason, pulled Mr Stone out of a creek and went to raise the alarm while the other, Nathaniel Jamieson, sat with him for the two hours it took for a rescue helicopter to reach the back-country bowl.

“My beautiful brother and great mate Tim Stone fell asleep this afternoon and now awaits the resurrection,” his brother, Jeremy Stone, wrote on his Facebook page at the time.

Following Mr Stone’s death, the managers of Mt Cheeseman Ski Area and New Zealand’s Mountain Safety Council stressed that skiers and snowboarders should wear helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries.

Council manager Andrew Hobman, who visited the accident scene, said the trio had been struggling to move through heavily compacted snow when the accident occurred.

The inquest will take place in the Cambridge Terrace Courthouse in Christchurch.