Two adventurers from Co Antrim will today attempt to break the record for crossing Antarctica by sledge using ski-buggies towed by kites.
Mr Brian Cunningham (59) and Mr Jamie Young (50) plan to use wind power to pull them across 650 miles of snow and ice to traverse the continent in 10 days. They are trying to beat the current record of 38 days set by an Australian team in 1999.
Their buggies were designed by a Formula 1 engineer and can carry the weight of a man and 360lbs of food and equipment. In the unfortunate event of one of the buggies breaking, the other is designed to be able to carry both men and all the equipment.
They flew from Chile to the South Pole and hope to reach the Patriot Hills on the Weddell Sea in 10 days to smash the record. Weather conditions permitting, they hope to start their journey today.