UPDATE (April 2011): Despite best efforts, Ben was unable to start the expedition because of extreme weather conditions.
British explorer, Ben Saunders is aiming to break the record for the fastest unsupported journey to the North Pole.
Ben Saunders with Land Rover sled Image: Ben Saunders |
The fastest unsupported record was set in 2005 by a team with dog sleds taking 36 days, 22 hours. Saunders hopes to set a faster time with no support at all, four-legged or otherwise. Only two other people have ever previously achieved the feat solo - Norway's Borge Ousland and Britain's Pen Haddow.
This is Saunders' second attempt on the record, his first, in 2010, being cut short after a fuel container leaked and contaminated his food supplies. The expedition is being supported by 4 x 4 car maker, Land Rover, but the only transport Saunders will have is his legs and a sled he will pull himself.
The attempt has already been delayed by bad weather, leaving the explorer no margin for error if he is to reach the North Pole before the Russian ice base, and any hope of a flight home, closes for the year.
Saunders is also set to attempt the longest unsupported polar journey in history, with a return trip to the South Pole later this year. The expedition is to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Captain Scott's Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole.