Eco-Challenge is happy to announce that our 8th event will be held in October 2001, on the South Island of New Zealand. We are extremely excited to be taking the event to the country that pioneered multisport competitions.

Through the years, thanks to the dedication of competitors, race directors, sponsors and TV partners, adventure racing has experienced tremendous growth. Many new people are participating in the sport and many new races have emerged to fill the demand.

Currently three of the largest expedition races are slated to take place at the same time next fall: Raid Gauloises in Vietnam - October; Eco-Challenge in New Zealand - October; Southern Traverse in New Zealand - November (as it is every year).

We understand that for many involved, it would be better if the top races were held at different times of the year. Whenever possible, we try not to conflict with other established race dates, however there are significant financial considerations as well as scheduling factors involved in producing large-scale, international events.

Location
Each year, we choose a new location based on terrain and production considerations. In 2001, we want to offer a true Alpine racecourse - New Zealand is unmatched in its natural beauty and rugged terrain. Eco-Challenge has been in discussions with the New Zealand government since 1997. We were invited to scout the South Island last month and the race management team was extremely impressed with the terrain and the vast amount of course options. On an event production level, the infrastructure in New Zealand is world class. We fell in love with the location and we're sure you will too.

Race Dates
The time of year our event takes place is based on a number of simple factors: weather, tourist season, holidays, show delivery date to the network.

Weather: Weather is our number one consideration due to safety. It is our role as race organizers to create a challenging but SAFE racecourse. Scott Flavelle, Race Technical Director, has consulted many local experts and has researched avalanche danger, weather patterns, etc. to arrive at the current race dates.

Essentially, Eco-Challenge has a very small weather time frame within which it can hold an event in New Zealand in 2001: late October, November or December. Late October was chosen for the following reasons: It is not safe to hold an alpine event any earlier. Contrary to statements made by Southern Traverse, we did not want both races to be held at the exact same time (although the weather is better in Nov.), so we chose late October to avoid their established race dates.

Tourist Season: Late October is at the very end of ski season and right before high season. We are able to get better hotel and airline deals for all participants during the low season.

Holidays: December pushes us into the Christmas holiday. Our '99 race in Patagonia was difficult for staff and competitors with scheduling. December is also high tourist season.

Show delivery date to the Network: The six-hour miniseries must be delivered to our TV partners (USA Network, Sony, and Discovery Channel Canada) in February. We need at least three months to produce the program.

Eco-Challenge/Southern Traverse
Southern Traverse has been held in New Zealand for the past 10 years. We applaud their success, support their event, and wish them continued growth. Eco-Challenge is in no way trying to compete with the Southern Traverse. The reality is that we have been invited to New Zealand and we wish to give competitors the best experience possible — hence our racecourse will be in the South Island and due to the reasons mentioned above, will take place in late October.

Whether teams compete in the Southern Traverse or Eco-Challenge next year, they will be in awe of the beauty of New Zealand. Due to the amount of teams and press exposed to the area, the spotlight will be on New Zealand next year. The recognition it will garner for being a mecca for adventure is well deserved — it's a fantastic place.

Registration
We will post the team registration process for next year on our web site shortly. Top finishing teams from Eco-Challenge Sabah 2000 will be invited. First come - first served online registration will open Monday, January 15, at 10:00am Pacific Standard Time.

In Conclusion
Eco-Challenge will continue to offer a world-class competition and deliver a six-hour program internationally that competitors, sponsors, friends and family will all enjoy.

We apologize that we are announcing our location and dates for 2001 later than usual. This has been a very busy year for us. We hope to see you all in New Zealand next fall.

SEE ALSO: Risk and Reward in Adventure Racing