Dear Eco-Challengers,

We concluded our second on-the-ground survey in mid-March and gained valuable new insight into this beautiful and remote part of the world. I am sure that by now you have all read the “Notes from the Field” we posted on the main Web site a few weeks ago. If you have not read this, I encourage you to. The Race Coordination Team spent four weeks going over each section of the race and the results have far surpassed my expectations.

Obviously there are numerous forms of water travel in this race and your swimming and paddling skills must be top notch. You will be paddling and sailing Perahu outrigger canoes and paddling a larger wooden canoe called a Sampan instead of the smaller Murut canoe. The rivers are incredible, expect a long paddle through a winding jungle river where monkeys play in the canopy above your head - truly an experience you will never forget.

You must be a strong swimmer. Currently, there are points during the race where all four members must swim a long distance in the ocean. You will of course be tested at registration but you must be a confident swimmer.

This race requires knowledge of jungle navigation. Do not take this lightly. The risk of getting lost in the jungle is extremely high. Read the Jungle Trekking section carefully and be prepared.

"Expect a long paddle through a winding jungle river where monkeys play in the canopy above your head".

You will reach a point in the race where your team must separate into two groups and follow different routes to a meeting point. It is necessary that more than one person has the ability to navigate in order to successfully complete this section. We intended to do this in Argentina last year however due to the bad weather it was not possible. We will include it in Borneo as it is an integral part of the race.

I am currently still in Borneo and want to reiterate to you that this course passes through the greatest wildlife in Asia. The top teams are racing and the course will be a test of their skills, speed and decision-making. Any rookie team who is focused on winning this race will find their journey difficult. My best advice to the rookie teams is to arrive in Sabah completely prepared for a great expedition experience through the jungles of Borneo and not to focus only on winning.

We recently made an announcement regarding Discovery Canada obtaining the rights to air Eco-Challenge Sabah 2000 both on Discovery Channel Canada and on other Canadian affiliates. USA Networks has obtained the rights for the United States and we are in the final stages of signing large distribution deals to air the 2000 program and future programs on both free TV and pay TV around the world. This deal will vastly increase the reach of Eco-Challenge television viewership as well as international sponsorship. We will notify you as soon as agreements are made.

Good luck in your training,