MEDIA/ NEWS RELEASE - XPD the Australian qualifying event for the World Championships heads to Thredbo for 800km and 10 days of adventure.
November 17 – 25

International teams and Australia’s best will be descending on Thredbo to undertake the challenge of a lifetime at XPD, Australia’s only expedition length adventure race with 35
teams lining up to take on the 800 km course.

Teams will push themselves to their physical limit and beyond, racing mountain bikes, white water and flat water kayaking and trekking for ten days with little to no sleep. XPD is the
only Australian qualifying event for the World Adventure Racing Championships in Portugal in 2009.

Founded in 2004 this is the fourth edition of XPD, which is staged every 18 months in a different destination. Teams will take between 5 to 10 days to compete the grueling course,
covering 200km on foot, 450km on mountain bike and 150km in a kayak. Competitors will be unsupported in their 800 km journey as they race day and night. Navigation is a key element
of the event.

The starter’s gun will be fired from a secret location. Teams do not receive their maps and directions until they arrive at Thredbo and they then have 24 hours to prepare and plan for
their expedition. XPD is about working together to make it to the finish line in the shortest period of time.

Many of the world’s top races will be vying for the prestigious crown of winning the premier mixed category, while others will be setting out with the goal being just to finish.
First and second place in the premier mixed category will automatically qualify for the World Championships and receive an all expenses paid entry. Premier mixed category teams
consist of primarily 3 men and one woman. To win the event outright teams must be a mixed team.

“XPD is the one true expedition experience on the Australian adventure racing calendar,” says Matt Koerber, of Blackheart Salomon, one of Australia’s leading adventure racing teams.

“XPD is the combination of immense human emotion, personal exertion and mental fatigue, all wrapped up into a two week experiencial package, making this an absolutely "must do"
event”.

Blackheart Salomon will be joined by New Zealanders Sierra International, well known USA team Cycle Path, and Australian team Blackheart, who finished second at the last XPD.
Canberra team, Tangerine, could use their expert navigation and speed in the trekking legs to give these teams a scare. Orion Health took out the last race (staged in the Whitsundays)
in 5 days and 7 hours with only 8 hours sleep.

XPD is as much of an expedition as a race. Apart from the prestigious crown, teams race for the experience, comradely and the knowledge that if and when they cross the finish line
they will be amongst an elite few who have completed XPD.

For further information visit www.xpd.com.au or contact Kimberlee Philip of Earlybird Marketing and Events on 0405 675 583 or Kim@theearlybird.com.au

Kimberlee will be onsite during the event for interviews. High-resolution images and race reports will be available daily.