All Land Rover models will be used during the 2005 Challenge, including the new Discovery 3 (called LR3 in the US). The vehicles will be painted a custom orange and will carry equipment to help the competitors complete the challenges they meet during the trip.
Here's How it Works
Working in bi-national teams, men and women representing 18 nations will show their stamina and skill as they compete across four countries on two continents. The challenge will take place during a four-week period in October 2005.
Who's Eligible?
For 2005, the participating countries are: Argentina, Australia, Belgium & Luxembourg, Brazil, Chile & Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Sorry, but the US isn't included.
The Entry Process
You can apply online starting June 21st, 2004, or complete an entry form at your local Land Rover Dealership.
There will be a national event to select the top three competitors from each country. The winners will go on to compete at the international level, an event held at Eastnor Castle in the UK, where the field will be narrowed down to one competitor from each country.
What They're Competing For
The winner will receive a new Range Rover, but making it into the event and completing the journey will no doubt be life-altering "wins" for every competitor who is chosen.
Former Belgian fighter pilot Rudi Thoelen was the winner of the first Land Rover G4 Challenge, held in 2003. Here's what he told the press at the end of the event:
- “I had nothing left at the end. The Challenge pushed me further than I had ever been pushed before. It is a tough test of both body and mind. And I can still hardly believe that I won it!”
So if you're up for the challenge, and live in one of the eligible countries, why not give it a try?
