Land Rover G4 Challenge National Selections
November 1, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
Within no time, the camping ground was covered with Tangiers Orange G4 issue tents, which are not only comfortable but can be erected in just a few minutes.
The following day was every bit as grueling as the previous trials. It was an early rise and convoy to Blackfellows Rock for some serious mountain bike riding.
Unbeknownst to me, there were some Olympic level riders in amongst the group. They must have raced the course at least 15 times before we had the last man standing, but it wasn’t MTB guru Matt de Belim, his chain snapped on the G4 mountain bike, and he was out of contention. It was then Kris Clauson who stepped up and took the win.
It was the same with the girls, lots of talent, but just one competitor remaining after endless elimination races.
The mob then called for a shootout between the top male and female riders and I’ve got to be honest, there was some serious male pride at stake here and Matt was under enormous pressure – not to lose. In the end he came through over the Zoe King, but not by much!
Believe it or not, it wasn’t over yet, not by a long shot. Competitors needed to complete a long distance bush run and mountain bike course over two hours before moving on to the final event, a terrifying 100-metre abseil at Wolgan Gap!
If I had any prior doubts about the authenticity or how demanding the G4 Challenge will be in Mongolia, they had well and truly vanished long before the conclusion of this event.
“I seriously doubt whether any other 4WD recreational brand other than Land Rover, could ever hope to sponsor this event, given the severe nature of the terrain and off road capabilities required to complete such a challenge”
Those chosen to represent Australia at the International selections at Eastnor Castle, UK later this year are:
Christie Sym – NSW
Matt Shields – VIC
Jarad Kohlar – NSW
Zoe King – NSW
Congratulations to the winners and a special thanks to Land Rover PR guru Guido Schenken for the covert supply of Red Bull, which kept the press corps going on this arduous and sleep deprived assignment.
Iam sure its Ghengis and not how you spelt it Andrew?
Cool review……….nice pics!
Landie…………one serious off roadie and fitting sponsor!
Eamij – I was researching Mongolia and came across a doc entitled “The World Factbook” by the CIA and figured they must know the correct spelling of what I thought was Genghis Khan.
“donating a vehicle on their behalf, to their National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society.” What happened to winning a RANGEROVER like in previous years. That would definately give me incentive to start training.
Yeah Toenails…..that is really how I meant to spell it but got ‘h’ in wrong spot!
I wouldn’t mind living in in Yurt in the middle of nowhere.
Iam with you there REALCARS. Can escape pesky people and not listen to Dudd’s shyte.