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From Wales flanker to polar challenger
ESPN Staff
October 30, 2013
Richard Parks testing at the GSK Human Performance Lab earlier this month © Twitter
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The Rugby Paper reports that former Wales international Richard Parks is bidding to become the fastest man to cross the Antarctic next month.

Parks is taking part in a two-part challenge to attempt the fastest and longest solo, unsupported and unassisted Antarctic polar expeditions in history. His first challenge, to break the Antarctic speed record, would see him cross the South Pole, a 715-mile journey, in just 23 days.

Richard Parks during his 737 Challenge , July 12, 2011
Richard Parks during his 737 Challenge in 2011 © Twitter
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Parks will ski solo, unassisted and unsupported, pulling everything he needs by sled in temperatures which will plunge to as -35C. He will need to travel more than 50 miles a day and climb to altitudes of close to 10,000 feet.

His preparations has included a month-and-a-half skiing in Antarctica, taking part in the highest mountain bike race in the world as well as the Jungle Ultra in Peru and a double ironman in Snowdonia.

Parks is no stranger to endurance challenges. In 2011 he became the first person to climb the highest mountain on each of the world's seven continents and stand on all three poles - North, South and Everest - in seven months.

Follow Richard Parks on http://www.richardparks.co.uk/

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