Dakar

Rally4Life prepares for 2011 Dakar

Rally4Life Tri-ing to save lives In preparation for the 2011 Dakar, the recently announced factory team of Mark Jennings-Bates and Mick Extance take a different approach to preparation. For Jennings-Bates, the task is simple... leave no option ...

Published: Oct 2, 2009, 4:18 PM

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Rally4Life Tri-ing to save lives

In preparation for the 2011 Dakar, the recently announced factory team of Mark Jennings-Bates and Mick Extance take a different approach to preparation.

For Jennings-Bates, the task is simple... leave no option available for failure. "When we looked at this task, it was clear that from a driver standpoint, I had to ensure that I will be in the peak physical and mental state possible for the start of the Dakar". At Pinnacle Elite Athlete, in Kelowna BC Canada, Jennings-Bates trains with his strength and conditioning coach, Leanne Manlove, who designs him a program that will take him to the ulitmate level of conditioning required for his event, which will see him in the cockpit of a Bowler Nemesis for 15 days for 16-18 hours per day. "For us, this was a unique and exciting challenge. Mark spoke to us about the rigours of surviving this race and we have designed a program that will give him the best option for success in the Dakar" added Manlove. Jennings-Bates, as part of his training has just finished his first triathlon race at the Kelowna Apple Triathlon along with 1400 other athletes and will partake in one more end of season triathlon race.

Extance, on the other hand is continuing to keep himself "bike fit" by pushing his body to the limit in 24 hour endurance races, most recently the 24 hour Dawn to Dusk enduro in North Wales... "having competed in the Dakar several times, I know what it takes to get in shape and stay there, and for me, this is it" said Extance, co-driver for the team. "I had the opportunity to enter the event with my son Adam and didn't delay". Aside from being so successful as Britain's top rider in the Dakar, Mick also runs the "Honda Mick Extance Offroad Experience" training riders in preparation for offroad challenges.

At the same time as preparing physically for the arduous task the team is busy with logistics, arranging commercial partnerships, filming a documentary for multi platform distribution and on September 19th, showing up at Castle Coombe's very popular Rallyday to give the Bowler Nemesis a run in front of the crowds. "We are looking forward to making some new friends and getting to know some of the Dakar and Bowler fans. From what I have heard, Rallyday is a great experience and it will be a privilege to be present at such a prestigious event" said Jennings-Bates

-credit: bowler-offroad.com

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