Xtreme Sports Teams
It takes allot of team work to get to the top of Xtreme sports. Mountain bike racing, base jumping, rock climbing and mountaineering all take a terrific support crew. Though one individual is competing for the prize, the support, mechanics and other teammates help make up a valuable team. In adventure racing you compete as a team which is unique to most Xtreme sports. Although some people race solo, most teams consist of 4 people and are co-ed. Whatever your sport you need a strong team, whether they be support or crossing the finish line with you. TEAM DYNAMICS 
Team dynamics are so important in xtreme sports. I have raced on many teams where we had "fast" athletes and could win, but broke down relationally. This is the number one reason teams do not finish Xtreme sports races, according to a survey done at the last Primal Quest Adventure Race.
I have found there are people I really like outside of racing. But we are not meant to race together. I have finally come to understand this is OK. Not everyone can make a great team. A heroic demonstration of teamwork was shown at PQ 2006 Cliff is an example to all of what a true teammate is willing to do and his teammate for being able to accept the help. THE RIGHT TEAM 
Many teams such as my team, live all over the country and come together for races. Merrell has one member here in the US and three in New Zealand. Why? It is very hard to find people crazy enough to do this all in one area! Not only does it take finding souls willing to suffer, and who get along, but the training is incredibly difficult. On top of that you need around $5,000 to race an expedition race. Some racers have just simply bonded at races, finding they get along better than the team with whom they are currently racing. Then they hook up race together and have great success. TEAM STRUCTURE 
Teams typically have a team captain. Most teams are made up of very independent people, who could all race solo. Although one person usually takes care of the organization, the jobs are delegated among the team members. There are some teams, however where the captain is a captain just as in traditional sports. Nike is one such team, where the captain has a very distinct role as leader. It works for some teams, but our team shares the load. For instance on our team, one member will do shirts (Paul from our team), another will be in charge of the gear list (me), another works on our sponsorship (Scott) and one will bring us together, register us and keep the team motivation up (Markley). CREW 
Another valuable member of a team is our transition area (TA) crew. Our crew will kick us out of the TA on time, help get us ready to go by filling bladders, feeding us, fixing our feet, waking us if we choose to sleep, and motivate us! Many times coming off a 48 hours leg you will be exhausted. A TA person will lift you up. They are integral to the teams' success.
TEAM DYNAMICS 
Although teams are successful for various reason, not many teams are able to complete expedition length races with poor team dynamics. You have to learn to "love" your teammates even when they are grouchy and not to mention stinky on day 6! There is nothing like the feeling of crossing the finish line, knowing you did your best as a TEAM. Check out these great adventure racing teams! We'll start with my team!
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. I love watching the drama as Cliff Of MP Gear, carries extra gallons of water on his back for his team. At one point his teammate has feet that are so bad, that Cliff carries him. 
