Ben Fogle

James Cracknell and Ben Fogle today announce their next big adventure - to cycle The Tour Divide, from Canada to Mexico.

The Tour Divide is the world’s longest off-road bike race. At 2745 miles (4418 km) long and the mountainous route is the equivalent of climbing Everest seven times to and from sea level.

Ben and James have previously crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a rowing boat in the RTS award-winning Through Hell and High Water, and raced to the South Pole in the crushingly cold Antarctic in On Thin Ice, but this new adventure will challenge them, both physically and mentally, like never before. Although James has some experience on road bikes, neither is yet trained in mountain biking, and Ben is not a cyclist at all.

To add to the pressure, they are attempting to break the current course record and complete the route in less than the current best time of 17 days and 21 hours. This inspirational challenge is no mean feat for mountain biking novices - to beat the record they will have to cover at least 160 miles (257km) every day.

Commenting on why they’re taking on this particular adventure, James Cracknell comments: “As ‘fun’ as the last two challenges were, the scenery in the Atlantic and on the Antarctic Plateau wasn’t that varied so the chance to see the Rockies on a bike whilst pushing hard and seeing how close we can get to the record is an irresistible combination.”

The route starts in Banff, Canada, and traverses the Rockies along the Continental Divide, which is the watershed between the Pacific on the West Coast and the Atlantic on the East Coast. But although being an unbelievably arduous physical feat, the bigger test is likely to be maintaining the mental stamina required.

Talking about the expedition, Ben Fogle said: “I love a challenge, but as a cycling novice this is a huge test and could well prove to be the toughest yet. In training, I’ve already had broken fingers and black eyes and I’ve yet to step foot in the Rockies!”

To attempt to beat the current world record, they must race unsupported so there will be no back up team alongside them with equipment or supplies. They must carry everything they need on their bikes, including all their camera equipment, but they are allowed to send supplies to pre-arranged locations to pick up en route.

The challenge of handling the unending miles ahead cannot be underestimated and will undoubtedly put a strain on their personal relationship. The experience of their other expeditions has shown them that team work is the key to success, and in this adventure it is going to be more important than ever.

The production crew behind both their previous adventures will film their training and shadow them where possible during the record attempt which Ben and James plan to start in August 2010.

BBC Executive Producer, Lisa Edwards, commented: “We’re delighted that James and Ben are returning to BBC Two with another inspirational challenge which, as their previous series’ have done, is sure to keep viewers enthralled.”

“It’s really exciting to be working with Ben and James again on a third world-beating adventure,” said Melanie Leach, Twofour’s Executive Producer. “We have followed them over the sea and ice, and watched in awe as their grit, determination and good humour has seen them through. This cycle race will test them to the limits and it will be fascinating to see how their relationship develops as they chase yet another record.”

Ben’s documentary on Noma will be broadcast at 9pm on BBC2 on the 9th June and again at 7pm on the 14th June. For more information on the subject go to the Facing Africa website.

Ben at the RGS
Ben will be giving this years Ian Gardener Memorial Lecture at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Thursday 22nd April at 7pm
Tickets at http://www.motivation.org.uk

Ben and Chris Bonnington at RGS
Ben and Chris will be talking at the RGS about their life of adventure on behalf of the Campaign for National Parks on Wednesday 31st March
Tickets at http://www.cnp.org.uk

Filmed on the location of the BBC’s, ‘Victorian Farm’ at Acton Scott in Shropshire, Escape In Time followed the experience of 8 families as they became Victorian Farmers for a week. The twenty part series follows the families and a team of historians and experts as they experience life on the Victorian Farm. Due to air in 2010.

Ben is heading off to Ethiopia with the charity facing Africa to make a BBC documentary about the disease Noma. Due to be aired in 2010.