Desert Freeze: Ryan Sandes Victorious in 4 Deserts-Antarctica, Sets Record for Wins
Some would call this foot race a little nutty.
But for Oakley’s Ryan Sandes, it’s just another mash in the desert…err freezing ice. The South African made racing history in the harsh and diverse landscape of Antarctica as the very first competitor to win every race in the world-renowned 4 Deserts Series of 250-kilometer, self-supported foot races. He also has owned every stage of the four brutal races – ranging from the sands of the Sahara to Atacama.
His recent feats only add to his rise – stoked by a surprise victory in the Gobi March (China) 2008, which shot him up from a relative unknown to an endurance superstar, astounding the racing world with his consistent wins in some of the most difficult foot races on the planet.
He made history earlier this year when he obliterated the record for the Atacama Crossing (Chile), and has sustained his lead right up to the end.
“The last week has been an insane experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Antarctica,” Ryan said of his achievement. “To win all 4 Deserts was a bonus and really rewarding for some long hours of training over the past two years. I was elated crossing the finish line with a South African flag in hand.”
After four super intense stages, crossing volcanic craters, black sand, snow and even encountering penguin colonies, he emerged victorious after a neck and neck race against Italian Emanuele Gallo. The stage and the overall race was his for the taking – proving once again that he is one of the world’s top endurance athletes. Period.
Congratulations on amazing feat, Ryan!
Change Country