Webber's adventure race kicks off

Nov.19 - Australian formula one driver Mark Webber on Wednesday set off on the latest edition of his annual outdoor adventure race.

The 31-year-old, renowned as an outdoor fitness enthusiast, was among a field of 70 in his fourth five-day mountain biking, kayaking and trekking challenge in the Australian island state of Tasmania.

"I really enjoy seeing people from all different backgrounds using this event to challenge themselves, initially thinking they won't get through, but they always do," the Red Bull driver said.

The first leg of the challenge involved kayaking in the picturesque Cradle Mountain region, before they trek to the summit and then climb aboard mountain bikes.

By Sunday, as the challenge finishes in the capital Hobart, they will have covered a total of 280 kilometres.