08/08/2010 : Atacama Crossing 2011

Team Helmut Update:
Team Helmut Adventure Racing team have entered the 2011 Atacama Crossing, part of Racing the Planet’s 4 Desert Challenge.
The event takes place in March 2011 in Chile’s Atacama Desert.

29/03/09 : Observer Sport Monthly

Simon Bayliff, Jules Bartlett, Carlyle Jenkins and Andy Pocock - a collective of adventure racers known as Team Helmut have recently returned from competing in the Yukon Arctic Ultra, considered the most extreme endurance race in the world. For six days, the entrants haul their own equipment on sleds ("pulks") through the Canadian Arctic, covering a race distance of 320 miles in temperatures of -30C. Observer Sport Monthly attained exclusive access to their expedition diaries. Read their full story below:

In 2007, football agent Simon Bayliff and his friends Jules Bartlett and Andy Pocock - a collective of adventure racers known as Team Helmut - completed the infamous Marathon des Sables, a six-day, 151-mile ultra-marathon through the Moroccan desert. The very next weekend, Bayliff decided they needed a bigger challenge. And so began 18 months of preparation for the Yukon Arctic Ultra, considered the most extreme endurance race in the world. For six days, the entrants haul their own equipment on sleds ("pulks") through the Canadian Arctic, covering a race distance of either 100, 300 or 430 miles in temperatures of -30C. Most attempt it on foot, although some use skis or adapted bicycles. This February, with new team member (and Aussie) Carlyle Jenkins, they set out on the 300-mile challenge to raise money for Breast Cancer Care, knowing that most people do not complete it.
Saturday 14 February

Carlyle Jenkins We all harbour thoughts of invincibility. This is my opportunity to push myself to the limit, wherever that is. The physical training began late August: we did tyre-pulling sessions in Richmond Park, walked the North Downs for 16 hours at a time, and spent every spare moment lifting weights and doing core-strengthening exercises.

Jules Bartlett I came into the event with confidence running high. Mentally and physically, I felt strong.

Andy Pocock We have two days acclimatisation in Whitehorse, the largest town in the Yukon Territory, to get our lungs used to the brutal temperatures. The day before our own race begins, we attend the start of the Yukon Quest, the 1,000-mile dog sled race from Whitehorse to Fairbanks in Alaska. It draws a large crowd of locals and as we walk around our “Team Helmut” jackets attract attention.

CJ Everyone we meet confuses us with the dog-sled racers. When we explain, “No, we are running it,” they shake their heads and ask, “Why, you fools?”
Sunday 15 February

Simon Bayliff For the last time in a week we shower, brush our teeth, use a toilet. Breakfast is four eggs and a loaf of toast each.

AP The packing of the pulk is very important because at 4am, in a blizzard, you need to know exactly where your goggles are. At 10.30am, we gather with others at the start. The average age of the racers is early 40s, although there are a few, like us, in their early 30s - and the competitors are mainly British. It makes me wonder why we Brits love these endurance events so much.

SB One competitor is a 24-year-old wearing make-up and a string of pearls - Sophie Collett. We learn not to judge a book by its cover: she’s a tough cookie who has completed both the Marathon des Sables and the Jungle Marathon within the past 10 months.

CJ They count us down and we are off, slowly, apart from Enrico, the 55-year-old Italian, who is literally jogging away. I think, “He doesn’t know what he is doing, we’ll soon catch him.” We never did. [Enrico won the 430-mile race and finished with frostbite.]

AP For the first 10 miles, the 40 or so racers chug along in single file on the congested track: overtaking is impossible.

SB It’s crisp, clear and -28C. The trail is hard and fast and we follow the frozen meanderings of the Yukon River for 26 miles. The field spreads out as people settle into their own pace. My clothes soon have a thick frosting of ice.

CJ We finish the first “marathon” in the time we expected, at around 5.30pm.

SB After a half-hour break, we push on for the second checkpoint at Dog Grave Lake, which is 34 miles away.

CJ Slowly the light dims and boredom sets in. We get into a rhythm, taking a five-minute break and swapping leaders every hour. Leading is great, you get to set the pace, and mentally, it’s the strongest place to be. But then it’s terrible to return to the back of the group: you simply can’t keep up.

SB At 9.30pm, we make our first mistake. We decide to bivvy down a little over three hours after leaving the first checkpoint. We stop too early and leave ourselves too much to do.

CJ Everyone is looking pretty ragged and it’s hard to find enough flat ground for four people to sleep on: when we step off the trail the snow is up to our thighs. The temperature drops to -30C. The zip on my sleeping bag freezes as I try to close it. Fuck, fuck, fuck. I am rapidly losing body heat and the zip is jammed at my waist. I manage only an hour of broken sleep, cramping with the cold.
Monday 16 February

SB This is the stage that breaks one - and very nearly all - of us. It is our first experience of what we call “crazy forest” - miles of tightly packed pine trees that leave a rutted trail that jars your knees and your back.

AP Si and I foolishly push the pace when we don’t need to. I make silly mistakes - I allow myself to get dehydrated, and don’t manage my food intake accurately enough.

CJ As we get into some “vertical” I fall off the back of the group. Suddenly I can’t see their head torches. After an hour I catch up, but I am running on empty. The next seven hours are the hardest of my life. The mantra, “I can do this, I will do this”, is the only thing in my mind. Dawn approaches and everyone is hurting. We have no idea of how far to the next checkpoint because Simon, our navigator and the details guy, has not been looking at the map, which shows just how the conditions affect your mind.

AP We had estimated we would arrive at Dog Grave Lake between 7am and 8am, but the hills keep climbing and the bends keep turning and there seems to be no respite. The early signs of hypothermia become apparent: I’m mumbling, and walking off the trail into trees. I hallucinate friends’ and family’s faces. We push on for another four long painful hours.

CJ Every tree-shape my mind sees throws up a face from the past, a polar bear, three little mice… weird. I am having out-of-body experiences, watching my body from above, marvelling at the stupidity of the Yukon Arctic Farking Ultra.

JB I had been feeling soreness in my right ankle from the 15th mile of the race and I had tried to adjust my gait to alleviate the pain. But now both ankles are swelling and the anti-inflammatories aren’t helping. I am in agony. When we arrive at Dog Grave Lake I know that my race is over.

CJ Poey [Andy Pocock] looks fucked. Jules looks worse. He says he can’t go on because his foot is ruined. I barely register. I need warm water and food.

SB We arrive at the checkpoint at 11.57am. And we are broken. Sixty miles done. Jules has injured the tendons in the front of his ankles. He is a tough guy who would crawl along the trail if it made sense. He tells us he can’t go on and it knocks the wind out of me.

JB Breaking the news to the team is so hard because I feel I’m letting them down.

SB We meet Sophie Collett at the checkpoint and she asks if she can join us - she becomes the new member of the team. We fuel up, and rest for four hours, then head off.

CJ There is not much talking. Rhythm is the key: it actually helps not to stop for too long. At 11.30pm we bivvy up; Simon is keen to get a fire going, purely for morale. It means scrambling around hip-deep in snow for about 20 minutes to find wood. I can’t really be arsed but it gets us talking.
Tuesday 17 February

AP It’s another nine hours before we reach the third checkpoint, at Braeburn Lodge on the Klondike Highway. The effects on our bodies are mounting: knees, hips, calf muscles, lower back, toes and fingers are in agony. Braeburn is a significant marker: it represents 100 miles, a third of the race covered, and our first “drop bag” where we collect additional supplies - food, fuel, and a change of clothes. We enjoy a hearty meal and a well-earned sleep.

CJ I wake because my body won’t stop cramping. And I have frostbite on my third and fourth fingers of both hands. The first aider says I have to be careful not to let them freeze again or I could be in serious trouble.

SB At 6.30pm, we leave for the fourth checkpoint at Ken Lake. This is the longest leg in the race: 43 miles. We have all developed a strange way of walking, a stiff shuffle-cum-scuttle. And our backsides are chafing.

CJ Poey is called to duty when Simon’s chafing requires third-party attention. This race is the dumbest thing I have ever done.
Wednesday 18 February

SB We arrive at a six-mile frozen lake shortly after 1am and decide that it would be wise to bivvy up - the temperature on a lake can drop by a further 5C. From 4am to 6pm, we cross lake after lake.

AP The good news is that on lakes we walk quicker. We can often do 5-6kph, which means we’re making great progress. We stop for some food surrounded by beautiful lakeland scenery; the sun is shining and it is positively warm - only -8C.

CJ I lead us over the last lake on a starlit night so bright that you can see the trail without a head torch.

SB We make the Ken Lake outpost at 6pm. It’s a huge relief to reach a warm tent, fix our feet, and check on the backside chafing, which is now at excruciating levels.

CJ After two hours, we are off again, to the next drop bag venue, a mining village called Carmacks. I am totally bored.

SB The team is pretty low: we know that we face a relentless journey of 42 miles to Carmacks. We are no more than metres apart but we can’t talk to each other, because of the noise of the snow crunching under our feet and the 20kg pulks, and the harness that prevents you from turning around.
Thursday 19 February

JB I have joined the support team after pulling out, and I am there when the guys reach Carmacks. The sun is setting and they look exhausted: it’s 16 hours since the last checkpoint, and 40 since we last saw each other at Braeburn. I get them some food.

SB In the showers my core temperature drops so much that I go into shock.

CJ Andy and I leave him shivering in the hot shower for 10 minutes and wait for his temperature to come up. Then we go to bed for eight hours.

JB Waking the team up at 4am and sending them back onto the trail is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It almost breaks my heart.
Friday 20 February

AP The walk out of Carmacks is depressingly slow. But after four hours of climbing, we reach the highest point. We get on to our pulks and sledge down the hill and start enjoying the snow for a change. After the fun and games of the morning the challenge starts to turn sour. We encounter the only uncontrollable element - the weather - and the next four hours dumps two to three feet of fresh snow. Our speed slows from 4kph to 1-2kph.

CJ We have not taken our snow shoes because no snow was predicted, and we are always trying to lessen the weight in our pulks. Big mistake. I realise that we will never finish this stage, let alone the race, at this pace.

SB We assume that the storm will pass. It doesn’t. It’s a tough decision, but we know we’re getting deeper in danger. So we press the help buttons on our GPS trackers.

CJ We build a fire and within 90 minutes the rescue team arrives. Back at Carmacks, the race organiser offers us a time penalty and a restart at McCabe. We take it.
Saturday 21 February

CJ We finish the penultimate leg from McCabe to Pelly Crossing, but it does not feel right. If we finish this race, I will know I never actually covered 300 miles. We all agree it would be a pretty hollow achievement.

SB We arrive at Pelly Crossing at 5.30pm and pull out, having covered 260 miles and only two of the three stages. We are gutted, but proud of the journey we have made.

AP We achieved a lot: hauling a sledge over 250 miles, and enduring -30C temperatures with very little sleep, requires immense physical fitness and an even stronger mind-set.

SB And we raised over £50,000 for Breast Cancer Care. But we didn’t complete what we’d come to complete and that will stick with me for ever. I’m not someone who likes unfinished business…

• Team Helmut will give a talk at the Royal Geographical Society on Thursday 23 April; 020 7591 3000, http://www.rgs.org

02/02/09 : Training Footage

Training Footage

Click on the link below to view our latest training footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oCrO0Y0zKI

03/02/09 : BBC London TV News Footage

Click on the link below to see River & Mercantile Team Helmut on BBC News London Tonight:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7868042.stm

16/01/09 : Nokia donate to Breast Cancer Care

January 16th 2009:

River and Mercantile Team Helmut are pleased to annouce that Nokia have kindly donated £5,000 towards Breast Cancer Care

http://www.nokia.co.uk

19/01/09 : Men’s Health Article - Cool Runnings

Cool runnings : London lads make marathon Arctic trek for charity

Any marathon runner will tell you that by the time you’ve crossed the finishing line, your body is screaming at you to stop this madness and sit down somewhere quiet. So imagine running the distance of 12 and-a-half marathons in six days – and just to make it more interesting, throw in -30º temperatures for good measure.

On the 15th February 2009, four guys from London will attempt to do just that, as they take part in the most extreme endurance race in the world – the Yukon Arctic Ultra. Under the collective moniker of Team Helmut, Si Bayliff, Andy Pocock, Jules Bartlett and Carlyle Jenkins will trek 515km across the Arctic tundra to raise money for Breast Cancer Care, after Si’s mum was recently diagnosed with the disease. Now that she is recovering well from her treatment, Si and the lads are aiming to raise a minimum of £50,000 towards cancer research and care.

The Yukon Arctic Ultra runs along the northern arctic tip of the Yukon Territory in Canada. In its seven-year history only 47 people have ever completed it, with most succumbing to severe cold, fatigue or lack of food.

However, Team Helmut are determined to complete the challenge, having already begun their intense training several months ago. They can regularly be seen dragging tyres around Richmond Park or in special environmental ‘cold chambers’ where they are attempting to get used to the severe temperatures.

They’ve also gained celebrity support for their cause, in the form of former Newcastle United and England Captain Alan Shearer. “I’ve known Si for more than 10 years and what he and the rest of the lads take on is hard to get your head round,” says Shearer. “It’s great that they are willing to go to such extremes to raise money for such important charities. I am always happy to support Team Helmut in any way I can.”

To keep up to date with their progress or for further info please go to http://www.teamhelmut.com

22/01/09 : Daily Mail - Super Agent Prepares for Arctic

The original super-agent: Bayliff preparing to take part in the world’s most gruelling race
By Matt Lawton
Last updated at 3:27 PM on 22nd January 2009
Comments (2) Add to My Stories Thanks, for the most part, to Eric Hall, football agents have a certain image. They have long been considered the fat cats of the game, with their fat cigars, flash cars and their seven-figure commission fees.

But the man who takes care of Alan Shearer, Joleon Lescott, Dwight Yorke and a host of other high-profile players is more than a little different. ‘He’s probably fitter than the lads he represents,’ Shearer said of Simon Bayliff this week. Bayliff is an extraordinary guy. A former fly-half for Northampton, he once negotiated the transfer of Michael Bridges to Sunderland as he sat in his tent 4,000m up Mount Kilimanjaro and he has recently been seen chatting to his players on the phone while dragging a car tyre on a 20 mile run around Richmond Park. If they don’t find him there, he might just be working out in one of the giant deep freezers at Smithfield Market or on a training camp in an icy corner of Sweden.

Because Bayliff, along with his three closest friends, is training for what is regarded as the most gruelling foot race in the world. The Yukon Artic Ultra: a six-day race over 322 miles of ice and snow in temperatures as low as minus 55. That’s 12 marathons in six days, while dragging a sledge that contains everything each competitor needs to keep them alive.

Even in such brutally icy conditions, it sounds like hot work. But here’s the thing, as Bayliff explains, ‘if you sweat you die’. Mainly because the sweat would create an ice barrier around the body that in turn would bring on the fatal effects of hypothermia. While only 47 lunatics have so far completed the race, and only half of the 20 or so who will start next month’s event will finish, no one has yet died attempting the Yukon. But it clearly is dangerous and Bayliff and his friends have seen how risky these ultra marathons can be.

Last year, when Bayliff and his River and Mercantile Teamhelmut colleagues were participating in the Marathon des Sables - six marathons in seven days across the Sahara desert - they woke one morning to discover that a chap five tents down from them had died in his sleep. A fatal combination, seemingly, of anti-inflammatories and sleeping pills. ‘Sleeping is a problem,’ explains Andy Pocock, a former steeple-chaser who was once ranked in the top 10 in the UK.

Sleep time will be limited on the Yukon, because they will have to be on the move for 21 hours of every day while consuming the 16,000 calories they will need to keep them going.
They are completely nuts, as Jules Bartlett proves when he reflects on his other sporting achievements. As well as being a former member of the same British ski team that included Alain Baxter, Bartlett once held the land speed record on a mountain bike. He even appeared on TV’s Record Breakers after taking his rocket powered push bike to 126.1mph on a concrete airstrip. ‘I started to pedal, got up to five or six mph and then pushed this button,’ Bartlett proudly recalls.

Understandably, their other halves do worry. ‘My whole family have the obvious concerns,’ admits Bayliff. ‘And my girlfriend, Jenny, does wonder where it’s all going to end. If, one day, I’m going to cross that line. It’s fair to say she’s not very happy about it.’ But they have a very good reason for attempting the Yukon. Bayliff’s mum, Janice, is like a mother to all of them and she has a far more gruelling battle on her hands against breast cancer.

‘We’re hoping to raise more than £50,000 for Breast Cancer Care,’ says Carlyle Jenkins, a Harley Street chiropractor and the member of the team who gets the old tyres from his local dealer in Putney. ‘I’m on Bridgestones this year,’ jokes Pocock. With just a few weeks to go before the start, training is starting to intensify. They have been to Sweden for some cold weather training and also have sessions booked at a special cold chamber in Nottingham. ‘And in the meantime I’ll be giving all the lads a call and asking them to make a donation,’ says Bayliff.

And they should because a term reserved for Pini Zahavi should in fact be applied to Bayliff. The man from the WMG agency is football’s super agent. Or, as the team name would suggest, someone who simply needs his head examined.

Donations for Breast Cancer Care can be made online at: http://www.teamhelmut.com
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1126354/Agent-Bayliff-preparing-worlds-gruelling-race.html

03/01/09 : Southern Daily Echo Article

New Forest adventurer prepares for the Yukon Arctic Ultra race
10:53am Tuesday 13th January 2009
By Sally Churchward:

JULIAN Bartlett isn’t just expecting the Yukon Arctic Ultra – in which he will be attempting to cover 515km in six days at minus 25 degrees centigrade – to be tough.
He’s hoping it will be.

He and his team mates signed up for the race after they took part in the Marathon de Sables in 2007, a gruelling six-day endurance race across the Sahara during which competitors have died in the past, and were disappointed that it hadn’t been hard enough. It seems unlikely that the Yukon Arctic Ultra will be a similar let down.

It is a continuous rather than a staged race, meaning that rest breaks are not built in. They are planning to sleep for just three hours out of every 24, bedding down on the snow without the shelter of a tent. The team of four will be dragging all their equipment, food and clothing behind them on a sled, running as much as possible over the snow and ice.

Unsurprisingly, the race has a 51 per cent drop-out rate. “Without being blasé about it, one of the reasons we entered the Yukon Arctic Ultra so quickly after the Marathon de Sables was that it hadn’t challenged us as much as we had expected,” says the 35-year-old adventurer from the New Forest.

“We love the thrill of pushing ourselves to new limits and what you learn about yourself when you’re undertaking these things. We all tend to live within our comfort zones and not realise our potential. It’s when you push your limits that you learn about yourself and what’s important in your life. “It’s quite an emotional experience, almost spiritual. We had hoped that the Marathon de Sables would push us into those dark places where you are really soul searching – you’re on that fine line to just stop and you feel you can’t go anymore.”

Julian and his friends, known as Team Helmut, have been taking part in adventure races since 2000. He has always had a taste for action and adventure.
A talented skier from an early age, at 13 he was selected for the England Alpine Ski Team and at 18 he was a member of the British Ski Team.
He and his friends take part in an adventure race every two years, filling the rest of their time with trail running, mountain biking and various smaller races.
“I think the motivation to be training all the time comes from having competed from an early age in my own sport as well as growing up in the New Forest and used to being outdoors.

“It becomes part of your daily life and not having that feels like there’s something missing – you feel low when you’re not training.”
There has been no danger of Julian and the other members of Team Helmut feeling low due to lack of training recently. They began training specifically for the event in August. It has involved lots of long sessions, dragging tyres round parks for hours, camping out overnight on the North Downs without a tent and getting up in the middle of the night to carry on hiking as well as travelling to Sweden for cold weather training.

Julian admits that he and the rest of the team like their creature comforts as much as anyone else and says there are times, when he has had a hard day at work – as a consultant in London – and it’s cold, dark and wet when his motivation to train falters but he never actually finds an excuse not to do it. “You know you’re not just letting your team-mates down, you’re letting yourself down if you’re not training to your potential. It’s going to be a tough event and the easier you can make it on yourself by being prepared the better.”

Julian adds that at least 50 per cent of the strength needed to complete a race like the Yukon Arctic Adventure is mental. “You can keep pushing your body as long as you’re looking after it – putting in fuel and water – and it will adapt very quickly. It’s the mind that will go first.” The race begins on February 15 and Julian is expecting around 20 people to be taking part. “We’ll be enduring temperatures of around minus 25 degrees but with wind chill last year it got down to minus 55 degrees,” says Julian.

“There are check points every 35 miles where they will be providing hot drinks and possibly some food, though we’ll be carrying our own food. Our plan is to run where we can or fast walk pulling our sleds which have got about 20kg on them. “We’ll be on the move for 20 hours out of every 24 and sleep for three hours within that.”

As well as taking part in the race for the pleasure of the training and the challenges it poses, the team are also hoping to raise a lot of money for Breast Cancer Care. They chose the charity after team member Si Bayliff’s mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. “I’m very close to her and seeing her go through that has been incredibly humbling. We go out and push ourselves physically and mentally but that’s nothing on the scale of what someone with cancer goes through. We put it to her that we’d like to raise money for a cancer charity and she was delighted and suggested Breast Cancer Care.”

Limited Edition Breast Cancer Buffs for Sale

Breast Cancer Care and River and Mercantile Team Helmut are delighted to offer these limited edition Buffs - an innovation in multi-functional headwear. We have two types, this lighter Original Buff and the Polar Buff. 100% of the profits from the sale of this item will come directly to Breast Cancer Care.

Buffs are a unique piece of headwear which can be worn 12 different ways! They are made of durable and elastic microfibre, one size fits all and they are perfect for outdoor activities.
These limited edition Buffs feature the Breast Cancer Care, Yukon Arctic and Team Helmut logo.
To Purchase contact Andy Pocock on +447803938264 or
Polar Fleece Buff £30 & Normal Buff £20 - 100% to Breast Cancer Care

29/12/08 : Liverpool Echo : Press Article

Am I tough enough for Arctic test?
Dec 30 2008 by Helen Hunt, Liverpool Echo

A MERSEYSIDE man is attempting the toughest foot race in the world.
Andy Pocock, 33, of Wallasey, along with three other team-mates, is trying to complete the Yukon Arctic Ultra – said to be the most extreme endurance experience in the world.

Under the name Team Helmut, the trek will see them complete the equivalent of 12-and-half marathons – 515km – in six days without stopping in temperatures of minus 30 degrees. The Yukon Arctic Ultra runs along the northern arctic tip of the Yukon Territory, in Canada. In its seven-year history, only 47 people have ever completed it, with most succumbing to severe cold, fatigue or lack of food.

Si Bayliff, Jules Bartlett and Carlyle Jenkins will join Mr Pocock in Team Helmut. They wanted to do the trek to raise money for the Breast Cancer Care charity after Mr Bayliff’s mum was recently diagnosed with the disorder.Their target is to raise a minimum of £50,000 for the charity. The team has trained intensively for months. Their regime includes dragging tyres around London’s Richmond Park and going in special cold chambers to acclimatise for the severe temperatures.
The challenge starts on February 15. Mr Pocock said: “I am excited about the challenge but with it comes nervous apprehension because there are so many things out of our control.

“You can do all the training and preparation and have all the kit, but there are unknown entities, such as temperatures can fall down to minus 35 or 40. That is the stuff we will need to know to manage out there.”

Visit http://www.teamhelmut.com for information.

BBC London Radio Interview : Listen Here

River and Mercantile Team Helmut were live on BBC London Radio.
Click here to listen to their live interview with DJ Steve Bunce

http://teamhelmut.com/media/BBCLondon_interview.m4a

15/12/08 : Sweden Training Camp

River and Mercantile Team Helmut recently returned from a weeks intensive Arctic Training in Northern Sweden, in Porjus high in the Arctic Circle

River and Mercantile Team Helmut recently returned from a weeks intensive Arctic Training in Northern Sweden, in Porjus high in the Arctic Circle. The team enjoyed (endured - depending on your perspective) temperatures of -28C, -15C and -10C which proved very beneficial conditions and temperature variations in which to test our kit. River and Mercantile Team Helmut are likely to endure similar temperatures in the Yukon in Feb 08.

Survival training was organised and delivered by Arctic Survival Specialist, Toby Cowern or Trueways Survival School.
http://www.survival-school.org/

10/12/08 : Chelsea FC Fans donate £3828

River and Mercantile Team Helmut are thrilled to annouce that the Fans at Chelsea Football Club have kindly conbtributed £3828 towards Breast Cancer Care.

River and Mercantile Team Helmut are thrilled to annouce that the Fans at Chelsea Football Club have kindly conbtributed £3828 towards Breast Cancer Care.
On a Saturday Dec 6th Bolton visited Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where a Charity bucket was passed around the crowd who kindly donated their spare change to the Yukon Arctic Ultra’s race for Breast Cancer Care.

River and Mercantile Team Helmut greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts at Chelsea Football club for making this happen, and especially the Fans for digging deep into their pockets.
A special mention to Andrew Dart of Chelsea Football Club.

28/11/08 : PROFEET become an Official Supporter

Profeet have kindly supplied River and Mercantile Team Helmut with specialist running shoes for this years Yukon Arctic Ultra Marathon race.

Profeet have kindly supplied River and Mercantile Team Helmut with specialist running shoes for this years Yukon Arctic Ultra Marathon race.
2 X pairs of Asics Gel-Trail Sensor 2 WP each.

‘Profeet are proud to get behind the huge challenge that Team Helmut are geared up for conquering in typical great stride. It is fantastic to be able to get behind a group of motivated people who together set the toughest standards for personal goal setting and training on top of fund raising to support others. We will be with them every step of the way to help make the goal happen from feet up support!’

24/11/08 : Financial News Press Cutting

Financial News Article: 24 November 2008
River & Mercantile Sponsor Adventure racing team for the Yukon Arctic Ultra.

River & Mercantile Team Helmut:

07/11/08 : The Hearld: The Icemen Cometh

The Icemen Cometh:
Aussie joins British trio to tackle gruelling 550km Arctic marathon
Extract from Sydney Herald: Sunday Nov 7th 2008

THE Yukon Arctic in Canada’s northwest is one of the toughest landscapes in the world, especially in winter when lakes freeze over and days are short. Very short.
Australian chiropractor and free-skier Carlyle Jenkins and his three British madmen mates, Si Bayliff, Jules Bartlett and Andy Pocock, are joining forces to take on the Yukon Arctic Ultra Race.
The 550km marathon running through minus-30C temperatures, snow, snow and more snow with nothing but the food on your back and a compass for direction, takes an average of six days, running 20 hours a day.

The race has a 51 per cent failure rate. But these hardy adventure travellers intend to cross the finish line and in the process raise more than $125,000 for breast-cancer research.
The race starts on February 15 and the Team Helmut members are training in London parks, dragging semi-trailer tyres behind them.

Follow their progress at http://www.teamhelmut.com or enter your own team at http://www.arcticultra.de

Press Cutting:

01/12/08 : VANGO become an Official Supporter

River and Mercantile Team Helmut are delighted to announce that Vango, owned & distributed by AMG Group Ltd, are supporting the team with a wide range of essential kit, ranging from cargo bags, sleeping mats, cooking stoves, trekking poles & Wayfarer food. Stephen Newlands, MD of AMG Group Ltd, didn’t hesitate for a moment when approached for his support of River and Mercantile Team Helmut.

AMG Group, one of the UK’s most successful companies within the Fashion & Outdoor Leisure sectors, owns and distributes an impressive portfolio of premier footwear, outdoor and snow brands, each with their own unique brand identity and product range. Throughout its 40 years, Vango has remained at the forefront of product innovation and design and has produced market leading tents, rucsacs and sleeping bags to meet the demands of campers, mountaineers, climbers and walkers. Over a 30 year period, Vango equipment was used on more or less every major expedition to leave Britain including all the Everest climbs. Legendary figures such as Chris Bonnington and Doug Scott were frequently equipped with Vango products during their extreme expedition. River and Mercantile Team Helmut are therefore very proud to be associated with such heritage.

25/10/08 : Cold Chamber Training at Nottingham Trent University

12/11/08 : River & Mercantile beomes Main Sponsors

TEAM HELMUT SPONSORED BY RIVER & MERCANTILE YUKON ARCTIC ULTRA 2009

Team Helmut are very pleased to announce that River & Mercantile Asset Management have agreed to be the main sponsor for their 2009 Yukon Challenge.

TEAM HELMUT SPONSORED BY RIVER & MERCANTILE YUKON ARCTIC ULTRA 2009

Team Helmut are very pleased to announce that River & Mercantile Asset Management have agreed to be the main sponsor for their 2009 Yukon Challenge.

Under the name of River & Mercantile Team Helmut, Si Bayliff, Andy Pocock, Jules Bartlett and Carlyle Jenkins will attempt to trek 515kms (which is the equivalent of 12.5 marathons) in six days without stopping, in temperatures of -30 degrees.

Their reason for doing this is to raise money for Breast Cancer Care after Si’s mum was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and thankfully is recovering well from treatment. Their target is to raise a minimum of £50,000 for the charity.

The Yukon Arctic Ultra runs along the northern arctic tip of the Yukon Territory in Canada. In its seven year history, only 47 people have ever completed it, with most succumbing to severe cold, fatigue or lack of food.

Simon Bayliff said “We really appreciate River & Mercantile becoming our main sponsor & their financial contribution will help us enormously towards our 50k target”

River & Mercantile, are one of the UK’s leading fund management specialists. CEO James Barham said “The Yukon Challenge is a remarkable event that requires remarkable competitiors. The River & Mercantile Team Helmut are certainly that. They epouse everything that as a business we seek to emulate: dedication, focus, and hard work and we are honoured to be in a position to help the team to achieve their objectives”.

30/10/08: Live BBC London Radio Interview

Team Helmut were thrilled to be invited onto BBC London Radio 94.9 FM last night (30th October 2008) for a live interview with DJ Steve Bunce.

Team Helmut were thrilled to be invited onto BBC London Radio 94.9 FM last night (30th October 2008) for a live interview with DJ Steve Bunce. Steve was brilliant and seemed geniuely interested in the challenge and the charity (Breast Cancer Care) said the Team. Team Helmut were live on air for 25 minutes and were able to share their hopes and fears of their challenge with the capital’s listeners. DJ Steve Bunce has kindly invited the team back to the studio just before they embark on the challenge in Feb 2009.

28/09/08 : The Tyre Pulling Starts!

Team Helmut start specific Yukon Arctic Ultra training, pulling tyres around Richmond Park

On Sunday 28th September 2008 Team Helmut started their specific Yukon Arctic Ultra training by pulling 2 large tyres, with their race harnesses, around Richmond Park for 4 hours. The boys received tremendous support and encouragement from the general public and were even able to generate donations from generous well wishers. Thank you for your support.

10/09/08 : Jay Carter’s generous pledge

Mr. Jay Carter, a long term friend of Team Helmut since Loughborough University has kindly pledged a more than generous amount towards our intended target of £50,000. Team Helmut are thrilled to receive Jay’s kind donation.

20/08/08 : Mountain Hardwear Official Apparel Partner

Mountain Hardwear today agreed to provide Team Helmut with essential equipment for the Yukon Arctic Ultra.

Team Helmut are very excited to announce that Mountain Hardwear UK has agreed to supply us with all the essential cold weather kit for our YAU challenge. MHW, founded in 1993, has rapidly become recognised as the World’s leading high performance apparel brand designed for hardcore mountaineers, skiers, climbers, explorers & adventurers who demand the very best kit for the toughest environments. MHW sponsor over 20 top athletes to provide real-world challenges to their product designers and to conduct product testing in extreme conditions. MHW also believes that it’s important to support people who are committed to pushing their personal limits while pursuing adventure in the outdoors. Team Helmut has endorsed the MHW brand for many years, regularly using a variety of MHW garments for training & Adventure Racing competition.

“Having the best functional apparel for our challenge is critical to our success. During our challenge we will have plenty to think about, mainly just keeping the pain demons at bay. The last thing we need is to worry about is if our kit is up for the job. MHW is our first choice kit partner… we need kit we can trust 100% and by using MHW that it is simply not an issue. We’re all buzzing to have them supporting us”. Jules Bartlett - Team Helmut member/YAU competitor

18/08/08 : Buff becomes an Official Partner

Team Helmut happy to announce Buff Wear partnership.

Today Team Helmut are happy to announce that Buff Wear have kindly agreed to supply Team Helmut and Breast Cancer Care with 100 bespoke Buffs. The summer and winter, fleece, versions will be a bespoke design incorporating the Breast Cancer Care logo and Pink Colouring with Team Helmut Logos. The Buffs will be sold at the normal retail price with 100% of the money raised going directly towards Breast Cancer Care.

16/08/08 : Fortress Fund Donate £10,000 to become Main Sponsor

Fortress Fund donate £10,000 towards Breast Cancer Care.

Team Helmut are pleased to announce today that Fortress Fund have kindly donated £10,000 towards our ambitious target of £50,000 towards Breast Cancer Care. This is our first major sponsor towards our goal and everyone in the team is really excited about this.

Headlines

Latest News

08/08/10 : Atacama Crossing 2011

Training In Sweden

Team Helmut spent 2 weeks in March 2008 testing equipment in -20C in Sweden. And we are going back for further acclimatising later this year!

Team Helmut spent 2 weeks in March 2008 testing equipment in -40C in Sweden. The team are planning to return to the northern Sweden wilderness between 10th and 15th December 2008 for an extended training ‘expedition’. The plan is to complete a 3 to 4 day trek to feel the full grip of the cold and conditions as we will only have a few short weeks to go until the start of the race.

Gallery

A lot of people claim a lot of things on the internet.

That’s why we thought we’d show you a few photos and videos of us racing, training and preparing for some of the challenges we’ve undertaken.

Hope you enjoy them – we did....eventually!

Please visit our Flickr site – Team Helmut Photos

Team Overview

Established in 2000, Team Helmut Adventure Racing is about testing yourself to the very limit and raising much needed cash in the process.

Set up by three Loughborough University students, the members of the team have one thing in common – their love of pushing themselves to the limit both physically and mentally in some of the worlds’ toughest ultra marathon events.

Some of the recent events Team Helmut have completed include the 2007 Marathon des Sables running 245km across the Sahara and raising £25,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital en route.

In March 2008, the team rode in the Sport Relief Super Cycle where Alan Shearer and Adrian Chiles, had to complete 335 miles from Newcastle to London in less than two days helping to raise over £420,000 along the way.

And in February 2009, Team Helmut are attempting to raise more than £50,000 towards Breast Cancer Research in the infamous Yukon Arctic Ultra.

For more information on each of the team members please click on their Biography Images.

Si Bayliff
Jules Bartlett
Carlyle Jenkins
Andy Pocock

About the Atacama Crossing 2011

The Atacama Crossing (Chile) is part of the 4 Deserts which was named by TIME magazine as #2 on its list of the Top 10 Endurance Competitions in the world.
The Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011 is the seventh edition of this event.
The Atacama Desert is 15 million years old and 50 times more arid than California’s Death Valley.
Some of the oldest mummies found on earth come from the Atacama, dating as far back as 9000 years.
The entire race will be held at least 1.6 kilometers / 1 mile above sea level and cover the distance required to make a horizontal crossing of the country of Chile (250 kilometers).
The day time temperatures expected are 32 Celsius / 90 Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures may drop to 10 degrees Celsius / 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
The Atacama Desert has the most lunar-like landscape on Earth and is frequently used by NASA to test its Mars rover vehicles.
More than thirty-five (35) countries are expected to be represented in the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011 including competitors from Brazil, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland.
The strongest contingent of competitors (40%) is from the United Kingdom, followed by the United States and Australia.
Chile’s own Sergio Echeverria will be running for his country at the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011. Many more competitors from Chile are expected to join the race and break last year’s record of nine Chilean competitors.
There are already thirteen (13) confirmed charities that will be supported through the race.
The youngest competitor in the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011 is the Netherland’s 18 years old Christopher Schrader, who resides in Hong Kong.
Approximately 20% of the competitors will be female and 80% will be male.
Four teams will be competing, including team Smoking Aces from the United Kingdom with some of the youngest competitors.
A full medical team will be working at the race. In addition to treating competitors, the medical team will also be conducting medical research.
During the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011, competitors, volunteers and staff will consume more than 14,000 liters of water over the seven days of the event.
RacingThePlanet will be using Bedouin style tents specially made in Egypt for the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011.
Competitors will be required to pass through up to 30 checkpoints throughout the seven-day event.

Future Events

The team commits to ‘major’ fundraising events/challenges every two years.

Our next confirmed challenge is:

2009 - Yukon Arctic Ultra Marathon, 515km non-stop foot race, Alaska

Other events we’re considering for the future include:

Cape Epic, 900km MTB stage-race, South Africa
Trans-555, 555km non-stop foot race, Sahara Desert, Niger
Woodvale Challenge, Cross-Atlantic non-stop rowing race, Atlantic Ocean

Present Events

Over the Summer months of 2008, Team Helmut will be competing in various Adventure Racing ‘satellite’ events across the UK to help us prepare for what’s to come.

From September, we will focus all our energy on specific ‘YAU’ training, including a week’s Artic Training & Kit Testing in the far north of Sweden during December.

In 2008 -

Ace Races 12th July, 30th August
Dynamic AR 4th October
Questars AR 19th July, 6th September
Endurance Life AR 27th-28th September, 18th-19th October
OMM 25th – 26th October
Open AR Series 28th June, 26-27th July

Over the Summer months of 2008, Team Helmut will be competing in various Adventure Racing ‘satellite’ events across the UK to help us prepare for what’s to come.

From September, we will focus all our energy on specific ‘YAU’ training, including a week’s Artic Training & Kit Testing in the far north of Sweden during December.

In 2008 -

Events

Over the last 8 years Team Helmut has gained a wealth of experience over wide range of adventure challenges and events, both in the UK and Internationally. Team Helmut continually seeks new and exciting challenges to confront and raise money for our chosen charities.

There is always an ‘extreme’ element to the challenges they have a go at. Primarily it’s about raising much needed money but along the way their friendships strengthen too.

Past Events

What is it?
The Yukon Arctic Ultra is THE most extreme endurance footrace in the world. Covering 515kms, that’s 12 ½ marathons, non-stop in six days enduring temperatures of -30C, whilst pulling a sled with essential survival gear. ONLY 47 people in the world have ever completed it despite many others numerous attempt.

Where & When is it?
The Northern Arctic tip of the Yukon Territory, Canada, along the infamous and brutal Yukon Trail during a very bleak Canadian winter, February 2009.

Why is it so tough?
515 reasons but here’s a few others. Frozen trails. Constantly -30C degrees. Fatigue. Sleep deprivation. Lack of food. Continually and relentlessly pushing the limits physically, emotionally and mentally for six days. This is why so few people have ever completed it.

Why sponsor us?
Team Helmut are doing this challenge to raise money for Breast Cancer Care, a charity very personal to us. If you could support our efforts by sponsoring us, we would really appreciate it.

Other Events

• Salmon X-Adventure (2000, 2001)
• ACE Races (2000 – 2008)
• Trailquest MTB series (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003)
• KIMM (2004 & 2005)
• Nike GRIM Challenge (2004, 2005)
• Saab/Salomon HellRunner (2004, 2005)
• Merida MTB Marathon/100km series (2006)
• OXFAM Trailwalker (2007)
• Marathon des Sables (2007)
• Questars AR series (2005, 2006, 2008)
• Open24 AR series (2008)
• BBC Sport Relief Super Cycle (2008)
• Endurance Life 24hr Series (2008)

Partners

Team Helmut has some very special friends indeed.

Without the generous support and assistance of our many partners and supporters we’d never complete a single challenge or raise a single penny for good causes.

River and Mercantile:
River and Mercantile is a new long only investment management boutique.
The business was incorporated in 2006 as a Limited Liability Partnership with significant management interest. The cornerstone investor is Pacific Investments which is owned by Sir John Beckwith. Our objective is simple - to provide market leading returns for our clients.

Fortress Fund:
The Fortress International Fund Ltd is a BVI based Professional Investor Fund. The Fund’s objective is to achieve long term capital growth through investments in American traded life policies, or to be more, Senior Life Settlements. Typically the lives insured are in their late 70s or 80s. The Fund aims to accurately predict the investment yield of a pool of such policies by purchasing the death benefits through an actuarial model.

Mountain Hardwear:
Team Helmut are very excited to announce that Mountain Hardwear UK has agreed to supply us with all the essential cold weather kit for our YAU challenge. MHW, founded in 1993, has rapidly become recognised as the World’s leading high performance apparel brand designed for hardcore mountaineers, skiers, climbers, explorers & adventurers who demand the very best kit for the toughest environments. MHW sponsor over 20 top athletes to provide real-world challenges to their product designers and to conduct product testing in extreme conditions. MHW also believes that it’s important to support people who are committed to pushing their personal limits while pursuing adventure in the outdoors. Team Helmut has endorsed the MHW brand for many years, regularly using a variety of MHW garments for training & Adventure Racing competition.

Polar:
Polar are the world’s leading manufacturer of personal heart rate monitors. They have been a long time supporter of our adventure challenges from the Marathon des Sables through to the Sport Relief 330 mile Super Cycle. Without the use of their exceptional equipment, the training, preparation and completion of our endurance races would be hugely hindered. We have used Polar equipment since 1997 and have tested them to their limits from the desert through to the arctic. They have become as vital as our shoes!

AMG is the UK’s leading owner and distributor of an impressive portfolio of premier footwear, outdoor and snow brands, each with their own unique brand identity and product range.
The combined offering features a vast selection of products including fashion footwear, lifestyle footwear, water sports footwear, tents, sleeping bags, rucsacs, travel luggage, camping gear, outdoor clothing, skiing equipment, cooking gear, food, and much more.

Contacts

For all enquires regarding sponsorship of the team and becoming a supporter please contact:

Si Bayliff
M: +44 (0)7734 069000
E:

Andy Pocock
M: +1 347 721 7007
E:

Testimonials

Here are a few comments and thoughts from some of our friends, colleagues and supporters.

Sir John Beckwith - River and Mercantile
Sir John Beckwith commented:
“We are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile cause. The River and Mercantile Team Helmut are an exceptional group of young men who have inspired many with their previous expeditions and we look forward to working with them during their forthcoming preparations.

James Barham - River and Mercantile
The Yukon Challenge is a remarkable event that requires remarkable competitors. The River and Mercantile Team Helmut are certainly that. They espouse everything that as a business we seek to emulate; dedication, focus and hard work and we are honoured to be in a position to help the team to achieve their objectives.

Alan Shearer - Former Newcastle United & England Captain
“I’ve known Si for more than 10 years and what he and the rest of the lads take on is hard to get your head round. It’s great that they are willing to go to such extremes to raise money for such important charities. They make us all feel bad for not doing a bit more. The challenges they take on are unbelievable - they found the 330 mile Super Cycle with me easy! I am always happy to support Team Helmut in any way I can. Keep going lads!”

Dan Hanbury - River and Mercantile
I have known the team since our time at Loughborough and I am delighted that along with my colleagues at River and Mercantile we have been able to provide the backing for the team such a worthwhile cause. To compete in such an arduous challenge requires immense character and strength and we are delighted to provide support for the ream to help them reach their objectives.

Dan Hanbury - River and Mercantile
The Team are competing in an exceptionally tough race, raising money for an excellent cause and all of us at River and Mercantile are 100% behind them.

Joleon Lescott - Everton & England Centre Half
“It’s mad really. I can’t believe Si and the rest of the team actually do these things. It’s impressive that they go through so much pain to achieve such great things and they raise massive money along the way. I thought I was quite fit - this takes it to a new level. I can’t believe Si could be fitter than me!”

Peter Rostron - Mountain Hardwear - Official Apparel Sponsor
“I was impressed by the commitment of Team Helmut to meet the challenge of the Marathon Des Sable, but even more impressed by their charity fundraising so when I was approached to help with support for the Yukon adventure I jumped at the opportunity. It’s a tough challenge to undertake due to the climate and terrain but having seen their resourcefulness at first hand I know they will meet it head on. Again I applaud their attitude to their fund raising and the personal nature of the charity will make them even more determined. They will need good kit that they can depend on and I’m confident that Mountain Hardwear can provide that.”

Tom Avery - Polar Explorer
“Over the years, Team Helmut have proven themselves to be endurance race experts, clocking up a long list of impressive performances in some of the world’s toughest long-distance races. The Yukon Arctic Ultra is the hardest of them all, but I have no doubt that with all their years of experience, their determination, impressive physical fitness and British stiff upper lip will be enough to see them through to the finishing line. Good luck fellas!”

Steven Newlands, Managing Director, Vango - Official Supporter
“The athletes of Team Helmut are an inspiring collection of individuals, who push themselves beyond their limits in exactly the same way we test our Vango products.”

Iain Crawford, Vango
“The Yukon Arctic Ultra is the world’s toughest ultra marathon, testing levels of human endurance to their extremes. The ideal conditions to test Vango products to their limit.
The determination and perseverance shown by Team Helmut in raising funds for such an important charity is so inspiring. Vango are extremely proud to sponsor Team Helmut and to support such a great cause as Breast Cancer Care.”

Support Us

Team Helmut are aiming to raise £20,000 for Help The Heroes.

Help for Heroes supports our wounded. Help for Heroes provides practical direct support to those servicemen and women wounded in the line of duty in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan

Thank you.

http://www.justgiving.com/teamhelmut-atacama2011

Kit

Survival in Arctic conditions is dependant on initiative, common sense and most importantly equipment.

Team Helmut have undergone extensive research, spoken with leading polar explorers, and conducted stringent kit tests in Sweden to ensure every piece of equipment is capable of with-standing the extreme conditions.

Maps

Yukon Arctic Ultra takes places along the famous Yukon Quest Trail.

For a better look at the course and distance we will be covering during the race please look at the Maps below.

YAU Race Map 1 (1.5 MB)
YAU Race Map 2 (1.5 MB)
YAU Race Map 3 (1.4 MB)
YAU Race Map 4 (3.3 MB)
YAU Race Map 5 (3.3 MB)

Preparations for the Yukon Arctic Ultra

Preparations for the Yukon Arctic Ultra began in January 2007. Team Helmut are currently undergoing a serious of training programs and multi-disciplined events in order to ensure our success.

Preparations for the Yukon Arctic Ultra began back in January 2007.

The schedule is a punishing one – with running, cycling, walking, weight training and racing all on the menu.

Most importantly of all, ‘Yomping’ - carrying heavy back-packs up and down the Brecon Beacons, will be the staple of our training diet for the foreseeable future.

Basic Plan

January ’08 – August ’08 Basic preparation. Foundation training. Weight training and Long Slow Burn runs/walks.

September ’08 – January ’08. Gradual increase of distances and kit specific pulling. Cold environment training. Cold chamber training. Multi-day sessions.

February ’09 – The YAU!!

For more information see our training blog below and visit the Gallery for Photos and Videos.

Carlyle Jenkins

Age: 33

Place of Birth: Brisbane, Australia

Occupation: Chiropractor

As a Doctor of Chiropractics and Performance Coach, Carlyle spends a lot his time helping people do more than they ever thought possible.

From healing injuries to achieving peak athletic and executive performance his company Prohab (http://www.prohab.co.uk) addresses all aspects of performance.

This has resulted in Carlyle contributing to the mental and physical preparation of everyone from Olympic athletes, and premiership footballers to leading business executives and celebrities.

Carlyle is also a passionate free-skier and is sponsored by Faction Skis and Profeet.

Personal Achievements:
Trailwalker 100km Ultra 2007 - 67th (Team Helmut)
Davos Klosters Ride Big Mountain 2007 - Finalist
55km Iceland Ultra 2006 – 45th
London Marathon 2005
Australian Life Saving Championships – Surfboat 2000
Northern Suburbs Rugby Union Club Finalist 5th Grade 1999
University of Queensland Rugby Club Finalist U21 1994
Australian University Champions – UQ Australian Rules 1993

Andy Pocock

Age: 32
Place of Birth: Liverpool
Occupation: Managing Director – Digital Advertising
Nickname: Poey

As a middle distance runner of International class competing throughout his teens and early twenties, Andy has always pushed himself to extremes to achieve his goals.
With an appetite for anything outdoors and a well developed desire for adventure, Andy soon became involved in endurance sports, subsequently forming Team Helmut with Si and Jules in 2000.
Andy has a passion for travel and adventure, which has seen him participate in expeditions for several months at a time, including Alaska, Central Asia and South America.
In between traveling, regularly competing in adventure races and trekking in far flung locations, Andy finds the time to be the European Managing Director of an Digital Advertising company.
Personal Achievements:

• National AR events from 1999 - present
• Three Peaks Challenge 2000
• Nike GRIM Challenge 2003
• London Flora Marathon 2004
• Salomon Hell Runner – 2004 & 2005
• London Triathlon Sprint Relay 2005 – Mens Health Winning Team
• Marathon Des Sables (6 Marathons 7 Days in the Sahara)
• Kilimanjaro 2008 – Rongai Route
• Member of the National & North of England Athletics Squad

Jules Bartlett

Age: 35

Place of Birth: Poole, Dorset

Occupation: Consultant

Nickname: Helmut or Big Nose

Jules was the Macaulay Culkin of British skiing!

At just 13 he’d been selected for the England Alpine Ski Team and by 18 he was a member of the British Ski Team, representing GB at World Junior Championships and competing for 4 years on the International Ski Circuit.

After retiring from the slopes, Jules needed to fill the void and adventure racing came calling in 1999.

Jules has regularly competed in numerous AR, Mountain Bike & Trail Running events since then and has got the bug good and proper!

Highlights:
· National and International AR events ’99 - present
· London Triathlon Sprint Relay 2005 – Mens Health Winning Team
· Salomon HellRunner – 2005 & 2006
· KIMM – 2005 & 2006 Elite Class
· Merida Bikes MTB Marathon 100km Series - 2006
· Marathon des Sables 2007 – 1st place All-British Team
· Sport Relief Super Cycle 2008 – 330 miles in 35 hours (Newcastle – London)

Si Bayliff

Age: 32

Place of Birth: Cumbria – God’s country!

Occupation: FIFA Licensed Players’ Agent

Being from good Lake Country stock, Si was fell walking almost as soon as he could put one foot in front of the other.

After hanging up his boots as a former representative rugby player for both club and country in 1999 Si couldn’t sit still for long and very soon teamed up with his two best mates – Andy and Jules – to compete in their first ever adventure race early that year.

Team Helmut was officially formed!

Since then Si has competed as part of the team in single and multi-day adventure races around the globe. His willingness to give anything a try and test himself to the limit is matched only by his ability to talk all four legs off a donkey.

His adventure career to date has seen him raise more than £450,000 - including £25,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital, over £5000 for Oxfam, over £420,000 for Sport Relief

Races/Events to date:

· National and International AR events ’99 - present
· London Triathlon Sprint Relay 2005 – Mens Health Winning Team
· Salomon HellRunner – 2005 & 2006
Merida MTB 100k Series 2006
· Kilimanjaro 2004 – Machame Route
· KIMM – 2005 & 2006 Elite Class
· London Triathlon Sprint Relay 2005 – Mens Health Winning Team
· Marathon des Sables 2007 – Finished 205th
· Trailwalker 2007 – South Downs Way 100k - 14h 30m
· Sport Relief Super Cycle 2008 – 330 miles in 35 hours (Newcastle – London)

Breast Cancer Care Summary

Team Helmut are hoping to raise £50,000 towards
Breast Cancer Care.

Team Helmut Summary

Team Helmut, established in 2000 by three friends from Loughborough University with a shared passion for adventures sports, travel and for testing themselves within the worlds’
most arduous conditions. Read the full story.

Atacama Crossing 2011

•The Atacama Crossing (Chile) is part of the 4 Deserts series which was named by TIME magazine as #2 on its list of the Top 10 Endurance Competitions in the world.
•The entire race will be held at least 1.6 kilometers / 1 mile above sea level and cover the distance required to make a horizontal crossing of the country of Chile (250 kilometers).
•The day time temperatures expected are 32 Celsius / 90 Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures may drop to 10 degrees Celsius / 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
•More than thirty-five (35) countries are expected to be represented in the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011 including competitors from Brazil, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland.
•During the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011, competitors, volunteers and staff will consume more than 14,000 liters of water over the seven days of the event.
•RacingThePlanet will be using Bedouin style tents specially made in Egypt for the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011.
•Competitors will be required to pass through up to 30 checkpoints throughout the seven-day event.

Racing The Planet

RacingThePlanet is a unique category of rough country footraces that take place over seven days and some 250 kilometers in remote and culturally rich locations around the world. Competitors must carry all their own equipment and food, are only provided with water and a place in a tent each day but are supported by professional medical and operations teams. RacingThePlanet is international; the events typically involve competitors from over 20 different countries who are able to mingle around the campfires and in their geographically mixed tents. Currently the events consist of the 4 Deserts, a series which encompasses the Gobi Desert in China, the Atacama Desert of Chile, the Sahara Desert in Egypt and Antarctica, and a fifth event which roves to a new location each year.

Video Footage - Yukon Arctic Challenge 2009

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