- Young explorer Alex Woodford, 22, triumphs in snow laden adventure challenge which celebrates 25 years of Land Rover Discovery
- As Land Rover's first Next Generation Explorer, young British winner to be mentored by daredevil adventurer Bear Grylls
After 24 hours of snow, sweat and tears in the five‑part Discovery Adventure Challenge, Sir Ranulph Fiennes hands over the baton of exploration to Alex Woodford, 22, from Leicestershire, as she is crowned Land Rover's Next Generation Explorer.
Seasoned adventurer Bear Grylls will now mentor Alex, a member of the British Exploring Society, as her prize. As the winner she will participate in an epic adventure where she will experience first‑hand the survival skills made famous by Bear.
Winner Alex showed true skill, stamina and determination as she battled through the epic competition which was held in the mountains of Megève, France and overseen by Ben Saunders, fresh from completing The Scott Expedition. Testing challenges included a technically demanding slalom drive on the slopes, a test of strength and technique with a 180kg sled pull, and a fast and furious kayak race across Lake Geneva.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ben Saunders, Hannah White, Kenton Cool and Eric Loizeau all experienced the skills of each young explorer as they rotated amongst them during the Challenge. After a nail‑biting finish, the ambassadors voted for the winner and crowned Land Rover's Next Generation Explorer.
Alex was chosen unanimously by the judges after displaying strength, technique and courage throughout the challenges.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes commented, "Alex exhibited the true spirit of adventure. Throughout the competition she met each challenge head on, yet with a cool, calm and collected demeanor that eventually helped her win the title of Next Generation Explorer. I am extremely excited to see what lies ahead for Alex. With the guidance of Bear and Land Rover I predict she will go on to achieve great things."
Alex said, "I can't describe how incredibly excited I am to have received the accolade of Land Rover Next Generation Explorer. It was an honour just to tackle the challenges alongside such iconic adventurers as Ranulph and Ben, let alone be selected by them. I am incredibly proud and can't wait to get started on my next challenge."
Jaguar Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director Mark Cameron added, "I am delighted to announce Alex as the winner of our first ever Discovery Adventure Challenge. All of the competitors showed the true spirit of going Above and Beyond, which lies at the heart of the Land Rover brand. I believe that Alex will go on to join the impressive line‑up of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ben Saunders, Eric Loizeau, Hannah White, Kenton Cool and Bear Gryllls, who have all achieved incredible feats across the globe."
ENDS
To download film and B‑roll, please visit: http://www.broadcast.jaguarlandrover.com/stories/8168
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For further information, please contact:
Rachel Murray, Senior Communications Officer
M: +44 7780 494 282
E: rmurra73@landrover.com
Lydia Haley, Senior Press Officer
M:+44 7730 923 507
E: lhaley1@jaguarlandrover.com
Carmel Digweed, Communications Officer
M: +44 7990 084 909
E: cdigwee1@jaguarlandrover.com
Jack Hutchinson, The Brooklyn Brothers
T: 020 7292 6200
E: jack@thebrooklynbrothers.com
Jessica Holland, British Exploring Society
E: jessica@britishexploring.org
Editors Notes
Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true breadth of capability across the model range. Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors. Land Rover products are currently sold in approximately 180 global markets.
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
