Daredevils race along frozen surface of the world’s deepest lake


Daredevils took to the frozen surface of the world’s deepest lake in a bid to break speed records in a mile-long race.

Ice-adapted vehicles – including helicopters, lorries and motorbikes – soared along Lake Baikal in Russia for the second annual Baikal Mile.

The competition in the village of Maksimikha can reach temperatures of -40C and sees competitors race to break speed records for a variety of different vehicles.

This year saw a Mil Mi-171A2 medium twin-turbine helicopter set Russia’s one-mile speed record of 167mph at the minimum altitude of 65.6 feet.

Brice Hennebert – who created the Appaloosa motorbike which competed in the event – described the feeling of soaring along the ice as ‘a bit like going racing on the moon’.

Daredevils took to the frozen surface of the world’s deepest lake in a bid to break speed records in a mile-long race. Pictured: A Mil Mi-171A2 medium twin-turbine transport helicopter flying over Lake Baikal

The competition in the village of Maksimikha can reach temperatures of -40C. Pictured: A helicopter races a boat on the frozen lake

The competition in the village of Maksimikha can reach temperatures of -40C. Pictured: A helicopter races a boat on the frozen lake

The competition this year saw a Mil Mi-171A2 medium twin-turbine helicopter (pictured racing a motorbike) set Russia's one-mile speed record of 167mph at the minimum altitude of 65.6 feet

The competition this year saw a Mil Mi-171A2 medium twin-turbine helicopter (pictured racing a motorbike) set Russia’s one-mile speed record of 167mph at the minimum altitude of 65.6 feet 

A variety of ice-adapted vehicles - including helicopters and motorbikes - soared along Lake Baikal in Russia for the second annual Baikal Mile. Pictured: Some participants in the competition

A variety of ice-adapted vehicles – including helicopters and motorbikes – soared along Lake Baikal in Russia for the second annual Baikal Mile. Pictured: Some participants in the competition

A vintage car raced alongside two motorbikes in the mile-long race along the frozen surface of lake Baikal in Russia

A vintage car raced alongside two motorbikes in the mile-long race along the frozen surface of lake Baikal in Russia

He told industry magazine Superbike News: ‘I’m super excited and a bit lost at the same time as we have no idea what to expect. 

‘With just a few days before the flight, I’m focussing on the practical aspects, but I know this journey will be one of the most insane experiences of my life.’ 

Lake Baikal is the deepest lake and the biggest reservoir of fresh water on Earth.

Brice Hennebert - who created the Appaloosa motorbike which competed in the event - described the feeling of soaring along the ice as 'a bit like going racing on the moon'. Pictured: Some of the competitors on motorbikes

Brice Hennebert – who created the Appaloosa motorbike which competed in the event – described the feeling of soaring along the ice as ‘a bit like going racing on the moon’. Pictured: Some of the competitors on motorbikes

The lake is the world's largest freshwater lake by volume. Pictured: A specially-adapted vehicle soars along the frozen lake in the competition

The lake is the world’s largest freshwater lake by volume. Pictured: A specially-adapted vehicle soars along the frozen lake in the competition 

The lake contains about one-fifth of the fresh water on Earth's surface, some 5,500 cubic miles. Pictured: Some of the competitors of the one-mile long annual race

The lake contains about one-fifth of the fresh water on Earth’s surface, some 5,500 cubic miles. Pictured: Some of the competitors of the one-mile long annual race

Plant and animal life in the lake is rich and various. While it is frozen over in the treacherous winter months, the lake is home to the annual Baikal Mile. Pictured: A competitor prepares his vehicle ahead of the race

Plant and animal life in the lake is rich and various. While it is frozen over in the treacherous winter months, the lake is home to the annual Baikal Mile. Pictured: A competitor prepares his vehicle ahead of the race

There are between 1,500 and 1,800 animal species at different depths in the lake. In the winter months it is frozen solid enough to take the weight of a helicopter

There are between 1,500 and 1,800 animal species at different depths in the lake. In the winter months it is frozen solid enough to take the weight of a helicopter

The water on the lake contains a high level of oxygen and few minerals, giving it a crystal clear distilled appearance. Pictured: Competitors ahead of the race

The water on the lake contains a high level of oxygen and few minerals, giving it a crystal clear distilled appearance. Pictured: Competitors ahead of the race

A Mil Mi-171A2 medium twin-turbine helicopter soared to victory along the frozen lake during the Baikal Mile

A Mil Mi-171A2 medium twin-turbine helicopter soared to victory along the frozen lake during the Baikal Mile

The helicopter was operated by an Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant crew as it broke the Russian record for the fastest mile while soaring 65.6 feet in the air

The helicopter was operated by an Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant crew as it broke the Russian record for the fastest mile while soaring 65.6 feet in the air

The lake stretches for 400miles (636km) lengthwise and 50miles (80 km) widthwise. Pictured: Competitors on motorbikes at the race

The lake stretches for 400miles (636km) lengthwise and 50miles (80 km) widthwise. Pictured: Competitors on motorbikes at the race

Baikal's maximum depth is one mile but is currently frozen over. Pictured: A competitor's vehicle is filled up with fuel ahead of the race

Baikal’s maximum depth is one mile but is currently frozen over. Pictured: A competitor’s vehicle is filled up with fuel ahead of the race

The main idea of the festival is setting speed records on various types of vehicles - including lorries (pictured) - on the ice surface of Lake Baikal

The main idea of the festival is setting speed records on various types of vehicles – including lorries (pictured) – on the ice surface of Lake Baikal

A huge tank was one of the competitors in the race, which sees a variety of vehicles to break the speed records within their own categories

A huge tank was one of the competitors in the race, which sees a variety of vehicles to break the speed records within their own categories

As the sun shone, the Mil Mi-171A2 medium twin-turbine transport helicopter soared over the frozen lake, breaking a speed record

As the sun shone, the Mil Mi-171A2 medium twin-turbine transport helicopter soared over the frozen lake, breaking a speed record

A set of vehicles - including what appears to be a golf buggy and a four-door saloon car - raced in the mile-long freezing competition

A set of vehicles – including what appears to be a golf buggy and a four-door saloon car – raced in the mile-long freezing competition

A range of competitors - including beaming motorcycle riders - soar along the ice with stunning hillside views in the background

A range of competitors – including beaming motorcycle riders – soar along the ice with stunning hillside views in the background

The lake is the world’s largest freshwater lake by volume, containing about one-fifth of the fresh water on Earth’s surface, some 5,500 cubic miles. 

Plant and animal life in the lake is rich and various. There are between 1,500 and 1,800 animal species at different depths.

The water on the lake contains a high level of oxygen and few minerals, giving it a crystal clear distilled appearance.

The lake stretches for 400miles (636km) lengthwise and 50miles (80 km) widthwise. Baikal’s maximum depth is one mile.