FOUR men who are set to race across the Atlantic Ocean have arrived at the gruelling competition’s starting point — as one of the race’s favourites.

Matt Nuttall, Mark Brocklehurst, Finn Christo and Nick Griffiths will set off on Monday from the Spanish port of San Sebastian de la Gomera.

They will row across the mid-Atlantic in the most direct route possible to the Caribbean island of Antigua.

They will cover at least 2,549 nautical miles, which is about 2,900 regular miles, although bad weather and adverse conditions could see them row up to 3,000 miles.

The team are competing in the epic endurance contest in a bid to raise £250,000 for Bolton Lads and Girls club — who gave them a rousing send off earlier this month.

They will be taking on 15 other teams from across the world and race officials have declared the foursome amongst the favourites to win the race, saying they have never previously seen a team as well prepared for the Atlantic challenge.

Speaking from Spain, team member Mark Brocklehurst, aged 52 said: “It is great to be announced as one of the favourites because that keeps the pressure up which is really good for us.

“When they say we are the best prepared they have seen it is about a combination of our personal condition, the boat itself and how well we are interacting with the boat.

“The camaraderie around the camp is fantastic, everyone is helping each other and sharing experiences — there is a mutual respect amongst us all because we know how hard it has been to get to this point.”

A documentary is being filmed charting the progress of the race by production company All3 media.

The Bolton News will be in regular contact with the rowers, providing updates on their progress across the Atlantic.

Money being raised by the team, which is currently between £140,000 and £150,000, will be used to support BLGC junior mentoring project, which offers one-to-one support for youngsters aged eight to 12.

Mr Brocklehurst is a board member at the club and managed to win approval and arrange sponsorship for their trip.

The team will be tackling 10-foot-high waves, freezing winds and the probability of being flipped upside down in a specially designed ao.com boat.

Mr Brocklehurst added: “We have a fantastic team spirit and we are ready for business now — bring it on baby.”

If you would like to donate to the Atlantic challenge fund, visit justgiving.com/ boltonatlanticrowing challenge.