Italy is preparing for Expedition Africa under the banner of the Four Moors. The only Italian competing in one of the most challenging adventure racing competitions in the world is Telemaco Murgia, a 52-year-old from Ogliastra, now living in Gallura.
It's here, in Luogosanto, as well as in Supramonte and Ogliastra, that Murgia is preparing for the expedition to South Africa, which will see him compete from March 13th to 22nd with Team Mediterranea Adventure - Engel & Völkers Costa Smeralda. This will be one of the most important challenges of his career, as he will tackle over 500 km in extreme conditions as part of an international team of athletes (four-person races) from the United States and Brazil.
In addition to training, which takes place on the island's technical, isolated, and wild terrain, simulating the conditions of an expedition race, with mountain biking on rough terrain and trekking with loads, alternating with kayaking and pure navigation, with a map and compass, and nutrition, based on products from his native Sardinia – for the occasion Murgia is experimenting with the integration of identity foods such as nougat, with high energy density, natural honey as an immediate source of carbohydrates, and extra virgin olive oil as a lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory support – rest will play a fundamental role.
In a race like Expedition Africa, you get very little sleep. "When you lack sleep, your mind gets foggy and navigation becomes risky. That's where mental discipline counts. It's not the strongest who wins, but the one who stays clear," explains Murgia, a professional guide and outdoor tourism entrepreneur, who in South Africa will travel to the rhythm of the Engel & Völkers international slogan, "All Roads Lead Home." A slogan that will take on an even deeper meaning in this adventure: traveling far, facing extreme environments, even getting "lost" in wild territories helps you find yourself and return home. To Sardinia. Whatever happens, as a winner.
