SWNSA man has set an impressive world record by being towed across the Arctic Circle at almost 120 miles per hour – on skis.
Former Winter Olympian Graham Bell braved temperatures of -28C to attempt the record at Jaguar Land Rover’s Arctic Revi Test Centre in Arjeplog, Sweden.
After putting on a pair of skis, the 51-year-old was towed by the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake at 117 miles per hour and completely smashed the previous record for ‘fastest towed speed on skis’ which stood at 70 miles per hour.
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The last time I attempted to speed down a ski slope, I found myself wrapped around a snow canon, so to get to speeds of 117 miles an hour is for me unimaginable.
But Graham, who represented Great Britain at five Winter Olympics, described the experience as a ‘buzz’.
He said:
This was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.
It was scary, exciting and absolutely freezing.
I am used to travelling at speed on ice and snow, but that was something else.
Being told we had broken the record by such a large margin was a real buzz.
SWNSThe test facility in Sweden is in a place called Revi, near Arjeplog, which is 550 miles north of Stockholm and is used by Jaguar Landrover to test their new models to the limits.
If you’re into cars, you might want to know the new XF Sportbrake was used for the record attempt. It boasts all-wheel drive, Adaptive Surface Response and All Surface Progress Control which enhance stability on low grip surfaces and improve traction in slippery conditions.
Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, said:
The XF Sportbrake’s superb traction, handling and high speed stability made it the perfect choice for this speed record attempt.
We’re extremely proud to have supported Graham in this incredible world-beating achievement – it’s this kind of trail-blazing activity that really tests our cars to their limits.
Good work, Graham. Not sure I fancy trying this but it does look exciting.
SWNSThere have been some pretty cool records set on snow, my personal favourite has to be the holder for the ‘oldest snowboarder’.
That record belongs to a super cool gentleman by the name of ‘Banana’ George Blair – named as such because of his distinctive yellow suit. This man was hitting the slopes up to 60 times a year right up to the grand old age of 92.
Banana George was into his extreme sports and was a keen water-skier also, also wearing bright yellow on the water.
Wildside TV / YoutubeBanana died on October 17, 2013 at his home in New York. He was 98.
And we can’t avoid Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards now can we?
The British skier became the first competitor since 1929 to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping, in 1988.
Although he finished last in the 70m and 90m events, he became the British ski jumping record holder, ninth in amateur speed skiing and claimed a stunt jumping world record for jumping over six busses.
