Charlie Wittmack, the Des Moines, Iowa man who is 8 weeks into the unprecedented 11 month triathlon called The World Tri has has made it to Poland. It was just last month when Charlie successfully completed the first leg of The World Tri by swimming across the English Channel from England to France.
Since then he has successfully biked across most of Europe (France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland). Unfortunately success come with and price and Charlie and his team has run in to a snag, lack of funding.
"We have some news to share regarding the future of the expedition. Unfortunately, due to insufficient funding for the expedition, we have had to make some difficult decisions over the past two weeks. For the expedition to continue, we have decided it is necessary for Charlie to continue the bike leg solo and unsupported."
Wittmack has run out of money and sponsors to pay the rest of his team, which includes videographers and other team members putting this expedition together to use as educational and healthcare initiatives for organizations around the world.
Wittmack says he's determined to finish The World Tri on his own, even if his wife, son, parents and other team members return home. They have been along his side since this adventure began.
"Brian and Andy have done an incredible job and we are grateful for their contribution to the expedition. Leg one would not have been a success without their hard work. They have now left the expedition from Prague to rejoin their families and pursue other opportunities. Cate and James are also returning home. Cate will continue to work toward the educational goals of The Adventure Institute and support the upcoming Global Health project in Nepal."
Call him crazy, call him stupid, but don't forget to call one heck of a determined guy! Charlie will carry the torch of The World Tri and share his experience as he continues to bicycles across Europe and Asia. You can continue to follow his journey here: www.theworldtri.com/archives/category/blog
Wittmack could use your help! If you would like to make a donation to The World Tri expedition, The Adventure Institute, or the Global Health Project in Nepal please send your donation to Rebecca Moomey, Bankers Trust, 453 7th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 and indicate which portion of the project you would like your donation to go towards.
Wittmack and The World Tri is a globe spanning educational endeavor aimed at inspiring student from around the globe to take on the world's toughest environmental and global health challenges and develop the practical skills and tools they need to change the world. For more information on it visit theworldtri.com
Related Posts:
• World Tri Update, Charlie Completes the Swim
• Charlie Wittmack Embarking on 11 Month World Triathlon
