Next year’s Embassy Challenge Pairs final will take place on the River Ebro and Riba Roja reservoir in Spain. All forty pairs will be provided with an all expenses paid trip for seven days instead of the usual five days, travel on the exclusive Embassy jet and stay in the sumptuous four star Hotel Pino Alto which lies close to the beach in Miami in the Tarragona region of the Costa Daurada.
The 100 strong party, which includes competitors, officials and press depart on 13th May and return 19th May. The final takes place on 16th and 17th May, with a practice day on the 15th.
Embassy Challenge Tournament Director, Dick Clegg, said: “The hotel we used last year was superb but the anglers felt it was a bit too far from the venue. The Hotel Pino Alto is also an excellent hotel but closer to the venue which will make it less tiring for the anglers and officials.
“Last year there were some problems at the airport when it came to loading the tackle and it was decided, after consultation with Imperial Tobacco, to send the tackle by road. The journey each way will take 24 hours which means the anglers will have TWO extra nights in Spain to enjoy the local night life and entertainment.
“There are also other bonuses for the finalists. Sending the tackle by road means we can increase the weight allowance for each angler’s tackle and also means that anglers, if they wish, can take their own groundbait. However, no angler will be allowed to take any live bait such as maggots or worms as the Spanish Government have strict import controls in place. However, like this year, anglers will be able to order their ‘live’ bait in advance which will be collected at the venue each day. They can also order Sensas groundbait to be collected in Spain if they want to use their weight allowance for other essential tackle.”
