The Commando Joe team arrived in Resolute Bay, the second most northern community in Canada, on Thursday 14th April 2005 ahead of this year's Scott Dunn Polar Challenge. All the teams participating in this years race then spent three days and two nights on the ice, on a mini-expedition, to check their equipment and familiarise themselves with procedures. Positive start The Commando Joe team got off to a positive start in their attempt to claim the polar race as their own.  Our background as Commandos gives us that mental and psychological edge.
 | | Charlie Martell |
The three members of the team Cirencester-based Charlie Martell, Steve Clewley and Gary Bullen forged ahead and were the first team to arrive back in camp. Speaking from Resolute Bay on Sunday night, Charlie explained: "The Polar Challenge is as much about mental stamina and attitude as it is about physical prowess. "Our background as Commandos gives us that mental and psychological edge, as well as both physical capability and previous experience of the Arctic. "Thats a big advantage over the other teams, a fact borne out when we were the first to arrive back in camp." Polar bear attack On Monday (19th April), the teams began the 65-mile slow ski to the start line, at the abandoned Polaris Mine, before the race starts on Saturday (23rd April). During this period theyll face temperatures of -60C, biting winds, and the risk of attack from polar bears. That risk is only too real because, on Sunday (17th April), two explorers unconnected with the Polar Challenge narrowly escaped injury after shooting a polar bear as it tried to claw its way into their tent while they slept. For that reason, part of the preparations in Resolute Bay focused on the polar bear threat; team members were practising close-range weapons fire just in case they actually meet one of these creatures during the race. The Commando Joe team will begin their attempt to win the 350 mile polar race on Saturday 23rd April 2005. The team are also raising money for the Meningitus Trust and awareness of the condition. See the original Commando Joe feature. Keep an eye on Commando Joe's progress at the pole with the regular updates below... 
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The Commando Joe team prepare for their 350 mile polar race with a mini expedition in the area around Canada's second most northern community...
