Polar Ben makes it onto Ananova
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Briton plans longest-yet polar expedition
A polar expedition twice the distance of any other has been launched at the Science Museum.
Briton Ben Saunders, 26, is planning to travel in a straight line from Russia to the North Pole on skis.
He will touch the Pole and then continue in a straight line to Canada for his 1,240-mile trip.
On previous polar trips trekkers have always finished their expeditions once they reached the North Pole.
The Londoner will be pulling his supplies by sled for his solo mission across the frozen Arctic Ocean. If he sticks to his route he is expected to take three months.
Mr Saunders was yesterday running final tests on his dry suit at a swimming pool in Putney.
In his drive to stay in a straight line at the Arctic, Mr Saunders will be crossing strips of melted ocean or 'leads'.
"The North Pole is slap bang in the middle of the Arctic Ocean - I will be skiing over the surface of the sea," he said.
"Previously I had skied around the water."
He added: "I do not see myself as an explorer - I'm not trying to find out where the North Pole is.
"It is about exploring the human limits - it's a test of psychological and physical strength."
The trip, which is costing £150,000, follows two previous attempts by Mr Saunders to the North Pole - one successful.
Mr Saunders was aged 23 when he failed in his mission, with Polar explorer Pen Haddow, to be the youngest person ever to to reach the North Pole unaided.
The Science Museum will be mounting an expedition of Mr Saunders' expedition when he returns.
Best of British to you Ben 
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