Land Rover has unveiled details of a new annual adventure challenge competition that will take place in four global stages – including one in South Africa!
Land Rover has unveiled details of a new annual adventure challenge competition that will take place in four global stages – including one in South Africa!
The Land Rover G4 Challenge will feature entrants from 16 nations competing in an off-road driving and multi-sport challenge against a backdrop of what promises to be some of the world’s most stunning scenery.
The competition, which will kick off next year, is called the G4 Challenge because it comprises four consecutive global stages, each in a different time zone. It starts in New York City on March 30 and covers about 6 500 km over five weeks of intense competition.
The Challenge features stages on the East and West Coasts of North America, in addition to Australia and South Africa, travelling through remote areas as well as the cities of Quebec, Sydney, Las Vegas – and Cape Town.
One competitor from each of the participating nations, one of which is South Africa, will be selected to represent their country in the Challenge from the thousands who are expected to apply when recruitment begins at the end of August. Details of the competition can be found at the Land Rover G4 Challenge website.
As well as striving for individual success, competitors will have to demonstrate their diplomatic skills and ability to work in a team by co-operating with a different team-mate during each Challenge stage.
“The Land Rover G4 Challenge will be the adventure of a lifetime,” Bob Dover, managing director of Land Rover, said this week. “In line with our philosophy of inspiring and delivering adventure for everyone, entry is free.
Although a higher than average standard of physical fitness is important, the Challenge is more about international teamwork, clever strategic thinking and a positive “up for it” attitude than out-and-out strength or stamina, a Land Rover spokesman revealed.
“It is also about being environmentally responsible,” Dover said. “In each Challenge location, we are working closely with environmental agencies, state and local authorities to ensure the impact of our activities is kept to a minimum, preventing conflict with other Land Rover environmental initiatives, such as Tread Lightly.
“Additionally, much of the competitive activity will take place in urban centres, where the Land Rover G4 Challenge will be accessible to many more people,” he added.
All four Land Rover vehicles – Range Rover, Discovery, Freelander and Defender – painted in specially commissioned “Tangiers Orange”, will feature on the Challenge.
All the vehicles, examples of which can be seen here, will be built to standard mechanical specification, with specialist expedition equipment fitted off-line to enable the competitors to inhabit their Land Rover during week-long Challenge stages.
The vehicles must also be capable of carrying the multitude of equipment – kayaks, mountain bikes and climbing kit – that competitors will need to complete the Challenge.
