The organisers of Cannonball Run Europe, the legendary European road rally have  announced the launch of a brand new event for 2005, the Cannonball Winter Challenge.The event, set to take place in France between the 8th and 16th January 2005, is a must for all petrol heads and winter sport enthusiasts. It begins with a drive-down rally on challenging roads and mountain passes and is combined with on-event sporting adventures that include skiing, boarding, ice-karting, tobogganing and rafting on piste. The Winter Challenge is without a doubt, Cannonball Run Europe at its very best.The base for the Cannonball Winter Challenge is Val d'Isère, France's most fashionable winter playground and it is here that adventure-driven sports and car enthusiasts get the chance to test endurance levels in ten irresistible challenges.Val d'Isère is located 140 km (87 miles) east of Chambery, on the French and Italian border and ranks alongside St Moritz, Stowe and Cortina among the "most famous names of skiing." With a huge ski area, much of it at a high altitude, world class lift infrastructure you have the archetypal world class mountain resort and the reason Val d'Isère is classed as one of the world’s top 10 resorts for expert skiers.

But not only is it an exceptional skiing domain... It's also a village known for its variety of after-ski activities.  With a lively international vibe, style and charm, Val d'Isère boasts numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs, perfect territory to be corrupted by the Cannonball crowd.Tim Porter, Managing Director of Cannonball Run Europe explained: “This event is a dedicated multi-sport endurance test and will include ten Cannonball challenges. Points will be awarded throughout the field for each event with the winning team walking away with the coveted Winter Challenge Trophy but more importantly the full bragging rights. Believe me, this is not for the faint hearted.”There will be three separate timed Cannonball road stages, which will take place on the drive-down to Val d'Isère.  The winner of each stage will be the vehicle that completes the course the closest to an average speed of 61 mph and not the first to arrive in Val d'Isère.Tim explained: “In the first three road stages it is not the speed but the navigational skill and spirit behind the wheel that counts”.The other Cannonball Europe Winter Challenges include:Kart Grand PrixWhere teams of two battle it out in a wheel-to-wheel in race karts. Nothing unusual here, except the circuit is made from pure ice, the ultimate in power is nothing without control.The SlalomTake to the slopes; a marked out course and the first to the finish takes victory. Against the clock and there are no rules! Skis, snowboard or bare-naked butt! King of the MountainsThe Winter Challenge mountain road stage lays out an epic route heading up to 7000 feet and beyond – a driving adventure cannonballers will remember forever.The Midnight Run After dinner, forget the After Eights and head straight back up the mountain. Equipment for this challenge is a head torch, a helmet, a sledge and some very best wishes. The mission is to get to the bottom of the slopes before the rest of the chasing pack. Night SafariA pure adrenalin surge, this night challenge is set leave cannonballers guessing after they set off onboard snowmobiles on a 25km Safari across the mountains. Ice DrivingSwitch on your engines and rev up for an unforgettable driving experience literally on thin ice. Drivers will battle it out in Peugeot and Golf GTIs and when the cars slide around, that’s when the fun really startsThe Mountain ChallengeTeams of two will head off in a vehicle to a secret mountain destination. Upon arrival at the destination there will be one set of skis or a snowboard for each team. The skier/snowboarder clips in and takes the fastest route back to the resort. The driver gets on the road and does the same. The first “reunited” team back to base takes it.The entry fee for the Cannonball Winter Challenge 2005 is £1,095 for one car and two people and includes all sea crossings, 4-star hotel accommodation, breakfast, inclusive entry to all 10 Cannonball Winter Challenges, the use of a support van to transport skis & luggage as required, VIP entrance to party nights at some of Val d'Isère’s coolest clubs and much much more.To stake your claim in Cannonball Run Europe history call 01403 276191, email info@cannonballruneurope.co.uk or tap into the website at cannonballruneurope.co.uk.Tim concluded: “Expect the unexpected, the Winter Challenge is an event that you will remember forever”.