Across Antarctica For many people, an ‘adventure’ is something quite simple, like going to another country for an annual holiday and experiencing a different culture and unfamiliar scenery and climate. However, for others, an ‘adventure’ has an altogether different meaning. (1) ___ They were competing with a team from Norway to do the journey in the fastest time. However, unlike the Norwegians, who were professional skiers and familiar with the conditions, the British team were amateursand. For them it was a real adventure, and one that they only just survived!

It was not the first journey for Ben Fogle, a TV presenter who loves a challenge, and James Cracknell, an Olympic rowing champion. (2) ___ During that journey, the pair had to deal with a range of problems. This included heat exhaustion, lack of sleep and hurricane-type weather, and nearly drowning when their boat was turned upside down by huge waves. Amazingly, they decided to get together again for another difficult challenge – the race to the South Pole.(3) ___ This adventure was even more dangerous because Ben had just recovered from a very serious medical condition he had caught while he was filming for a TV programme in the jungle.

In spite of all his problems, Ben recovered in time and, with the other two, spent months training for the task ahead. This journey proved to be even more difficult than the rowing race. (4) ___ They only allowed themselves four hours sleep a night and before they could rest they had to spend four hours melting ice to provide enough water for them all to drink. They finished the race completely exhausted, with no food left and with their hands and feet suffering from the icy temperatures. (5) ___ Even worse, they did not beat the Norwegians!

So, what is the attraction of adventures like these? Is it the fascination of going to places that very few other people have been to? (6)___ It is certainly very exciting to read about exploits like these and perhaps be inspired to take part in one yourself. It would certainly be an experience you would never forget!

A Every day they had to cover over 25 miles in freezing conditions.

B A few years before this, they had rowed across the Atlantic in a seven-metre rowing boat in another race.

C Many teams have tried the same challenge and failed.

D Is it maybe the desire to push your body and spirit to its limits?

E All three had lost a lot of weight and were in severe pain.

F This time they were joined by another amateur, doctor Ed Coats.

G For three young men in 2009, it meant a journey of 430 miles across some of the most hostile country on our planet, Antarctica, in a race to the South Pole.

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