This Antarctic expedition season is starting to shape up to be quite an interesting one, with not just one, but two attempts to set distance records on the frozen continent. We've already covered Geoff Wilson's plans to travel more than 5200 km (3231 miles) through uncharted territory using a kite to help cover long distances, which would be the longest solo journey ever. But now comes word of a Chinese explorer's polar ambitions as well, which could give set a new mark for the longest unsupported crossing of the continent too.
According to China Daily, 32-year old scientist Wen Xu plans to ski solo and unsupported across Antarctica, covering roughly 2000 km (1242 miles) in approximately 80-85 days. Xu's route will start on Berkner Island and will proceed to the South Pole, before ending on the Ross Ice Shelf. If successful, he'll become the first person to ever make that journey, surpassing the distance of 1500 km (932 miles) that Colin O'Brady and Lou Rudd traveled in 2018-2019. Depending on his exact starting and stopping points, Xu might even be able to claim the first solo crossing of the Antarctic, as there obviously remains a lot of debate surrounding the two solo crossings from last year.
In order to travel such long distances completely on his own and unsupported, Xu will pull a sledge weighing approximately 200 kg (440 pounds). That sled will be extremely difficult to pull of course, but it will also be his lifeline, carrying all of the gear, food, and supplies that he'll need to survive out on the ice. He'll also be bringing supplies that will allow him to collect scientific samples throughout the journey in attempt to study the impact of climate change on the Antarctic. He also hopes to help raise awareness of global warming through his efforts.
Comparing Wilson and Xu's individual expeditions helps to shed light on the official status of polar expeditions. Both men are obviously going solo, but because Wilson is using a kite to pull him along on the ice his efforts are deemed as "supported." Meanwhile, Xu will ski completely under his own power, so he gets to maintain the "unsupported" tag provided he doesn't get any outside assistance or supply drops.
Either way, Xu should be getting ready to begin his expedition soon, as the clock has already started ticking. I haven't been able to find any online sources with updates on his progress or current location, but he is likely already in Punta Arenas, and may have caught a flight to Union Glacier a few days ago. With such an ambitious project, he'll need all of the time he can get out on the ice. We'll just have to stay tuned to see if we can get updates throughout the journey.
