Episode 3

Synopsis

While TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle undergoes an intensive course of treatment for a lethal tropical illness, Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell and new third team mate Doctor Ed Coats keep training for the race to the South Pole. Their dreams of reaching the South Pole look in tatters and James has to consider leaving his friend Ben behind.

After four weeks of intensive and dangerous treatment, Ben waits for his results; will the doctors pass him well enough to face Antarctica? Thankfully, Ben is given the all-clear and the team pack, with only days to spare, and head off to their final time in the warm and sheltered climate of South Africa. On 18th December, all six race teams board their flight to take them to Antarctica. They set off on a final 10-day acclimatisation trek towards the South Pole, heading out into the polar wilderness on foot, pulling all they need to survive behind them in their sleds. Within days, they face the first of the many dangers Antarctica will throw at them. Big storms and blizzards blow in, forcing them to be tent-bound for days and threatening the start of the race.

Credits

Presenter

Alexis Girardet

Participant

James Cracknell

Participant

Ben Fogle

Participant

Jonny Lee Miller

Director

Alexis Girardet

Executive Producer

Lisa Edwards

Executive Producer

Melanie Leach

Executive Producer

Bridget Sneyd

Broadcasts

1. Sun 12 Jul 2009
   21:05
   BBC Two (England, Northern Ireland, Wales only)
2. Sun 12 Jul 2009
   22:05
   BBC Two (Scotland only)
3. Mon 13 Jul 2009
   21:00
   BBC HD
4. Tue 14 Jul 2009
   19:00
   BBC Two (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland only)
5. Tue 14 Jul 2009
   19:00
   BBC HD
6. Thu 23 Jul 2009
   00:35
   BBC One (except Northern Ireland)
7. Sun 26 Jul 2009
   01:15
   BBC One (Northern Ireland only)
8. Wed 11 Nov 2009
   00:00
   BBC HD