January 24--Calm before the storm
By James Bowyer

An uneasy calm has settled over the teams the day before the start of what is widely considered to be the toughest adventure endurance race in the world. Or has it?

Out of 46 competing teams, 15 are serious contenders, 15 have a good chance of finishing, and the rest have no idea what they're in for, says American Susan Hemond-Dent, former Raid competitor turned organizer.

"The learning curve is like this," says Hemond-Dent, throwing her arm into the air. No one is willing to predict a winner, but rumors spread faster than rain clouds in this region famous for its torrential downpours.

At the pre-race party, competitors huddled over glasses of spring water, talking in lowered voices about a German team that will take on the Raid with no packs. The squad will enter the field carrying only what they can cram in their pockets.

American teams, it is whispered, will rely on cutting-edge technology to give them the advantage, while French teams--famous for their extravagant displays of sheer tenacity--will rely on camaraderie.

No doubt the team to watch is the French effort, Ertips, that captured a stunning victory in last year's Raid under the name Coflexip. This year's squad, made up of the four legendary veterans from Lyon and one new member, will rely on their tried and tested tactics. A solid knowledge of who you will venture through hell with is a noted advantage in completing the race.

Another French team that has returned unchanged and seeking revenge is Intersport, which came in second by a hairbreadth in Patagonia. They will certainly take on Ertips in what promises to be a riveting duel.

Six teams working under the U.S. flag have entered this year's Raid. They hope to redeem national pride after last year's event, which saw only two out of nine American teams cross the finish line.

Team Compaq, made up of hardened Navy SEALS, may offer the most serious U.S. challenge.

"Our aim," says 39-year-old team member Bob Harward icily, "is to make no mistakes."

They hope for a top-10 placing, but like so many other teams, they will be lucky to finish the race.

Less serious but nevertheless keen is RFG-UAE from the United Arab Emirates. The mostly male team simply hopes to encounter in the wilds this year's two all-women teams.

But the contest does not end with Raid competitors. More than 100 members of the press, representing over 400 media organizations from around the world, will be fiercely competing for sound bites and much-sought-after helicopter rides in what appears to be a no-rules contest.

In case anybody had any doubts, communication officer Didier Cloos set the record straight. "It's going to be tough," he said, "for everybody."

Quotes for the day

"To infinity and beyond." --Andy Jackson from RFG-UAE.

"American teams rely on way too much technology." --Susan Hemond-Dent, three-time Raid veteran turned organizer.

"Our aim is to get five people across the finishing line--without hating each other." --Don Mann, captain of Team Kelty-Cabela.

James Bowyer is a freelance journalist living in Cape Town, South Africa.