The first 2015 Qualifier round of the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) has just begun in New Zealand. The Godzone Adventure has attracted 55 teams to this international race who are currently attempting to complete a 557km expedition journey around Wanaka on the South Island of the country.
Teams commenced the race this morning with a tough trek from the Haast River ascending steeply to the Brewster Glacier, then down a ridgeline and to the Makarora River. Ahead of them are legs of white water kayaking, further mountaineering, mountain biking, trekking and flat water paddling.
The two best teams in the world are racing head to head in New Zealand at this seasons opening race. New Zealand team Seagate, winners of the AR World Championship in 2014 have taken an early lead. Columbia Vidaraid from Spain, currently ranked number 1 in the world, are not far behind. Amongst them are a number of strong local teams from New Zealand.
Watch all the action live at www.godzoneadventure.com
Media release from ARWS.