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The
Commando Joe team arrived in Resolute Bay, the second most northern
community in Canada, on Thursday 14th April 2005 ahead of this year's
Scott Dunn Polar Challenge.
All
the teams participating in this yearÂ’s race then spent three
days and two nights on the ice, on a mini-expedition, to check their
equipment and familiarise themselves with procedures.
Positive
start
The
Commando Joe team got off to a positive start in their attempt to
claim the polar race as their own.
 Our
background as Commandos gives us that mental and psychological
edge.
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| Charlie
Martell |
The
three members of the team – Cirencester-based Charlie Martell,
Steve Clewley and Gary Bullen – forged ahead and were the first
team to arrive back in camp. Speaking from Resolute Bay on Sunday
night, Charlie explained:
"The
Polar Challenge is as much about mental stamina and attitude as
it is about physical prowess.
"Our
background as Commandos gives us that mental and psychological edge,
as well as both physical capability and previous experience of the
Arctic.
"ThatÂ’s
a big advantage over the other teams, a fact borne out when we were
the first to arrive back in camp."
Polar
bear attack
On
Monday (19th April), the teams began the 65-mile slow ski to the
start line, at the abandoned Polaris Mine, before the race starts
on Saturday (23rd April).
During
this period theyÂ’ll face temperatures of -60C, biting winds,
and the risk of attack from polar bears. That risk is only too real
because, on Sunday (17th April), two explorers
unconnected with the Polar Challenge narrowly escaped injury after
shooting a polar bear as it tried to claw its way into their tent
while they slept.
For
that reason, part of the preparations in Resolute Bay focused on
the polar bear threat; team members were practising close-range
weapons fire just in case they actually meet one of these creatures
during the race.
The
Commando Joe team will begin their attempt to win the 350 mile polar
race on Saturday 23rd April 2005. The team are also raising money
for the Meningitus Trust and awareness of the condition. See the
original Commando
Joe feature.
Keep
an eye on Commando Joe's progress at the pole with the regular updates
below...
If
you would like to comment on this story get in touch at gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk
or have your say on our
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The
Commando Joe team prepare for their 350 mile polar race with a mini
expedition in the area around Canada's second most northern community...
