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Team Accelerate Overview

Team Background and History:* Team Accelerate is a fully managed Team that was formed in November 2005; the squad encompasses 15 dedicated athletes. Some of the members have represented their country in an associated sport, whilst others are highly regarded and experienced Adventure Racers. Team Accelerate is currently the only known Team where the athletes do not race for any other team, fully representing Team Accelerate and working closely with Team Partners. In 2007 and 08 Team Accelerate never failed to achieve a podium finish in any race entered within the UK and wins included the Open 5 Series (mixed, male and female pairs), Open Endurance Series and the Powerbar Three Peaks Yacht Race, in association with Vlad the Impaler and crew. In 2008 the Team competed in their first World Series AR event, finishing 8th, in the Portugal XPD. This was to set the scene for the ongoing development of the Team. During 2009 success on the UK scene continued and new levels were attained in racing speeds, giving the soon to be crowned World Champions a very close call in there first head to head meeting. With Team Accelerate planning to compete at the World Championships Final for the very first time at the end of 2009. Going into 2010 it was agreed the squad would begin to take a more dedicated approach to racing XPD and with a focus on the UK's only WARS event the adidas Terrex. The young Team finished 2nd, being one of only two teams to complete the course and giving the then reigning World Champions a scare. 2011 will be very much a year of 'transition' as the Team Athletes adjust to the demands and the processes required for multi day racing. Expedition South Africa, APEX Switzerland and Raid France. In doing so the Team will begin working with Sports Scientists to further enhance potential. *World Expedition Race Results to date:* 2008: WARS Portugal: 8th place 2009: WARC Portugal: Left the course whilst in 10th place, due to illness of an athlete 2010: WARS adidas Terrex: 2nd place 2011: Expedition Africa: 3rd place *Team Objectives:* To become World Champions, whilst continuing to develop the potential of all members of the squad enabling all to compete at the highest level. *The Athletes: APEX Switzerland* Alasdair Bruce (Team Captain), Lucy Harris (Team Media Contact), John Cunningham, Stuart Walker Lucy Harris: Lucy is relatively new to adventure racing and in 2009 she completed her first XPD race, the adidas Terrex (8th) and it is these longer races that she is looking forward to racing more frequently. British U23 Fell Running Champion British Mountain Biking Orienteering: Full Representation for GB Alasdair Bruce: Alasdair is a relatively new convert to adventure racing from the world of triathlon where he competed for a number of years and represented the GB age group team. Alasdair has become a strong team member within the squad and for 2011 has taken on a Captain's role for his next ARWS XPD event. He finished 8th in his first WARS event, Portugal 2008. Stuart Walker: In 2007 Stuart set an unsupported coast-to-coast record, running the Hadrians Wall path in under 24 hours. He is now gradually making his way up the UK Ultrarunning championship standings, the sport which has been his entry to adventure racing. 2010 was Stuart's most successful year to date, with a number of top ten finishes and a sweltering Bob Graham Round on his 25th birthday. This is his first Expedition style Adventure Race. John Cunningham: John is considered one of the UK's foremost adventure racers, having raced in many top UK Teams with many of the best racers around. He has also competed Worldwide and has many notable top 10 finishes to his name. John's experience, cool thinking and fitness are key to the success of this young Team racing APEX.