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| S2N passes through Switzerland |
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This challenge bills itself as the banger rally for wage slaves. It takes place over four days and 1500 miles and, as usual, involves lots of rubbish cars. Staples is short for Staples Corner, the junction at the bottom of the M1. But like the Paris-Dakar, its name is actually a misnomer as the rally really begins in Calais, France. It then takes in Switzerland and finishes in Naples, Italy.
Justin Clements took over the organisation in 2004. "We structure the event," he explains, "and every day there is something to do. Last year the first challenge was to get through as many countries as possible. One team managed eight countries before getting into Switzerland. Day three involved creating an urban myth, doing something a little bit strange."
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| Not what you'd call a professional respray |
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Teams were instructed to re-set their odometer, and when it hit fifty miles they had to visit twenty-three petrol stations and take a team picture by petrol pump number one. "The police were called to one petrol station," said Justin. "At another a bemused coach-load of Japanese tourists decided the best course of action was to join in and have a group photo of their own at the pump."
Socialising is a big part of the Staples to Naples and the route is organised to allow teams time to arrive at the hotel in good time. All manner of cars took part last year, including a VW Caravelle van. With a loud speaker screwed to the roof, Benny Hill's theme tune was their musical weapon of choice.
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| Was that supposed to happen? |
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This year's Staples to Naples starts on the 22nd September and promises similar crazy challenges and capers. The popularity of the Staples to Naples has prompted the organisers to launch another rally for October 2005, dubbed 'Home to Rome.'
www.staples2naples.com
www.home2rome.comPlease note that Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.
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