Australian company takes over a Adventure Racing World Series management

The Queenstown based Southern Traverse adventure company, which created the Adventure Racing World Series and Championship (ARWS and ARWC) ten years ago, has passed the high profile international event on to Geocentric Outdoors of Australia.

Southern Traverse directors Geoff Hunt and Pascale Lorre established the ARWS and ARWC with the support of the Discovery Channel in 2001 as a pinnacle event for ten expedition style adventure races around the world.

"It is the only series of its kind in the world and has been most successful," says Hunt.

"Southern Traverse is pleased to pass the event on to Geocentric which has a strong reputation in the adventure racing industry as organiser of the XPD Australia race.

We are confident the World Series will continue to grow under the influence of Geocentric directors Craig and Louise Bycroft."

Hunt says Geocentric Outdoor's professional approach makes the company the ideal successor.

"We are sorry to lose our connection with the ARWS but know that our hard work establishing the series will be continued due to the passion Craig and Louise have for the sport."

Geocentric Outdoors is upbeat about taking over the leadership of the ARWS and will stage the series and championship in Australia this year.

"We must congratulate Geoff and Pascale for their vision in creating the series and for the many years of hard work they devoted to the event," says Craig Bycroft.

"We anticipate an exciting future and look forward to continued strong relationships with the Race Directors of the ARWS races as well as the many diverse and amazing athletes who are the lifeblood of the sport."

Southern Traverse spearheads a number of events in New Zealand and has recently initiated the inaugural Queenstown Bike Festival which will be staged from April 16-25 2011.