Sir Ranulph Fiennes Goes Head To Head In Search For Next Generation Explorer

25 February 2014

On Sunday 2nd March, Land Rover will bring together four of the world’s greatest explorers for an epic mountain adventure. For the first time ever, they will compete against each other as they take part in the search for Land Rover’s Next Generation Explorer in the Discovery Adventure Challenge. Marking 25 years of the Land Rover Discovery, the celebrated explorers will mentor four promising, young adventurers as they compete in the grueling six‑part challenge.

  • Land Rover Discovery celebrates 25 years with first of its kind adventure challenge
  • The world's most acclaimed explorers, including Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Hannah White, Kenton Cool and Eric Loizeau compete against each other for the first time ever
  • The experienced explorers team with up‑and‑coming adventurers in their bid to be crowned Land Rover's 'Next Generation Explorer'

On Sunday 2nd March, Land Rover will bring together four of the world's greatest explorers for an epic mountain adventure. For the first time ever, they will compete against each other as they take part in the search for Land Rover's Next Generation Explorer in the Discovery Adventure Challenge. Marking 25years of the Land Rover Discovery, the celebrated explorers will mentor four promising, young adventurers as they compete in the grueling six‑part challenge.

Against a backdrop of snow and mountains in Megève France, The Discovery Adventure Challenge will push competitors to the limit over 24 hours of tense, testing tasks. Ben Saunders, who, with partner Tarka L'Herpiniere, recently became the first man ever to complete Scott's notorious Terra Nova Expedition, will compere the competition, whilst Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Hannah White, Kenton Cool and Eric Loizeau will get fiercely competitive as they go head to head in the challenges.

The seasoned explorers will be paired with rising adventurer stars from the British Exploring Society, who they will mentor through the physically and mentally demanding tasks. Hannah Wright (aged 21), Cameron Mackay (aged 18), Alex Woodford (aged 22) and Tim Davies (aged 22) will rotate amongst the Ambassadors as they battle it out for the title of 'Next Generation Explorer'. The decision lies with the Global Ambassadors who will cast votes for whom they think deserves the title. The winner will be announced Monday 3rd March.

The challenges:

  1. Two Land Rover Discovery XXVs compete side‑by‑side through a slalom course down the slope. Two tense heats, one final.
  2. Precision and speed will be tested in the vehicle Biathlon: one team member will drive a Land Rover Discovery XXV around a purpose built course, whilst the other plays marksman, shooting a laser gun at a variety of challenging targets.
  3. Physical stamina will be put to the test in this grueling task: pulling one of Ben Saunders's sleds in a race against time.
  4. As night falls the contestants will be tasked with creating a fire from scratch and digging their own snow holes to sleep in. Points will be awarded for fastest build and warmest hole.
  5. The grand finale will be an all‑out boat race across Lake Geneva.

Jaguar Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director Mark Cameron said, "The Land Rover Discovery has been supporting and inspiring adventurers and adventures since 1989, therefore it's very fitting to celebrate our 25th anniversary with the Discovery Adventure Challenge and a search for the Next Generation Explorer. We are delighted to be partnering with the British Exploring Society for this search and look forward to supporting the winner in their pursuit of becoming an established explorer."

ENDS

To download images, film and media packs, log onto www.media.landrover.com or contact:

Rachel Murray
Senior Communications Officer

Land Rover Global PR
T: +44 2476 564 127
M: +44 7780 494 282

E: rmurra73@landrover.com

Lydia Haley
Senior Press Officer

Land Rover PR
Tel: +44 2476564147   
Mobile: +44 7730 923507

lhaley1@jaguarlandrover.com

 

Carmel Digweed

Communications Officer

Tel: 01926 694320

Mob: 07990 084 909

E: cdigwee1@jaguarlandrover.com

 

 

 

Jack Hutchinson, The Brooklyn Brothers

Telephone: 020 7292 6200

Email: jack@thebrooklynbrothers.com

 

 

Editors Notes

About the Discovery XXV Limited Edition

The 2014 special‑edition Discovery 4 has been built to commemorate 25 years of Land Rover's iconic family SUV. This special‑edition, limited‑run model comes in a choice of bespoke colours, has distinctive badging and a sophisticated and premium interior lined with Windsor leather. The Discovery XXV Limited Edition is the ultimate in sophisticated versatility and a fitting tribute to the legendary status of this iconic Land Rover.

About The British Exploring Society

British Exploring Society is an educational charity that inspires young people (aged 16‑25) from all backgrounds to unlock their potential through exploration on demanding and scientific expeditions, helping them and society better understand the world around us. All expeditions are to remote wilderness environments in jungle, desert, arctic and mountain regions. For more information, please go to Britishexploring.org

Media contact: Jessica Holland jessica@britishexploring.org