On January 5, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) female presenter Helen Skelton set off for Antarctica, attempting to reach the South Pole. Unlike other explorers, Skelton is not traveling by sled or on foot — she’s biking. If successful, she will become the first person to reach the South Pole by bicycle.
Skelton, 28, is a presenter on the BBC children’s show “Blue Peter.” She plans to bike across Antarctica in 20 days, covering a total distance of 805 kilometers.
Skelton, 28, is a presenter on the BBC children’s show “Blue Peter.” She plans to bike across Antarctica in 20 days, covering a total distance of 805 kilometers.
Skelton will carry 82 kilograms of luggage and ride a custom-built “all-terrain snow bike,” traveling up to 14 hours a day. Along the way, the altitude gradually increases, reaching up to 3,000 meters. Currently, the average temperature in the Antarctic region is minus 25 degrees Celsius, with an average wind speed of about 128.8 kilometers per hour. In extreme weather, temperatures can drop to minus 50 degrees Celsius and wind speeds can reach 201 kilometers per hour. As a result, Skelton will face various dangers such as blizzards, altitude sickness, frostbite, snow blindness, and burn up to 10,000 calories per day.
In addition to biking, she will also hike certain sections and use a snow kite. Snow kiting is an extreme sport where skiers, tethered to a kite while on skis or snowboards, use the kite’s power to propel themselves forward, reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
Skelton said: “People have always said you can’t get to Antarctica by bike, but that just makes me more determined.”
In addition to biking, she will also hike certain sections and use a snow kite. Snow kiting is an extreme sport where skiers, tethered to a kite while on skis or snowboards, use the kite’s power to propel themselves forward, reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
Skelton said: “People have always said you can’t get to Antarctica by bike, but that just makes me more determined.”
