Those Newnham 90 entrants concerned about finding the course-markers on September 8th may be relieved to hear that they are to be joined by über compass-head Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

The man who the Guinness Book of Records has dubbed “the world’s greatest living explorer” has entered the Newnham 90 in an attempt to brush up what he calls his ‘lousy’ mtb skills in preparation for the epic 2002 Southern Traverse Adventure Race in New Zealand.

Those hoping to follow Sir Ranulph round the course may, however, want to pack extra layers in case they find themselves in the Lost City of Ubar or crossing the antartic rather than the finish line. Our advice: If it suddenly starts to get very chilly consider following someone else.

The entry form for the Newnham 90 can be downloaded from the events pod on the left.