Competitors and Media Welcomed
Villa Cerro Catedral
Bariloche, Argentina — Nov. 29, 1999

	Opening Ceremony

Hear Eco-Founder Mark Burnett's Welcoming Address
LISTEN  [RealPlayer]

The opening ceremony of the Eco-Challenge has become an annual event to look forward to. This year was no exception as a huge crowd gathered yesterday evening to witness a cultural extravaganza of music and dance.

Beginning with the parade of athletes, led by local children raising their nations flag, each team was introduced to cheers from the crowd. The compulsory welcome from local dignitaries and event organizer Mark Burnett was followed by entertainment from local dance troupes. For those for which it hadn't clicked yet it was a dramatic reminder that we are in an exotic beautiful land.

"I chose Patagonia as the location for this year's race because it is a name that has magic for explorers and poets of the world..."— Mark Burnett, Race Founder

Mark Burnett remarked, "I chose Patagonia as the location for this year's race because it is a name that has magic for explorers and poets of the world. It is the perfect location for this race."

For all the light heartedness of this welcoming event it was obvious that the competitors still have a lot to do prior to race day. Testing and compulsory gear checking has begun. Teams must pass competency tests in the alpine skills of glacial travel, self arrest (the art of using an ice axe to stop sliding if you fall on steep ice), rappelling and horse riding. Tomorrow, when teams travel to the start area, they will be tested on their swimming and kayaking skills.

Although routine, many teams appear nervous and are scrambling to get equipment together...medical kits, climbing gear, food and supplies that will be positioned for them at transition points throughout the course.

Two days ago the competitors received maps and the course description with which they must plot their direction and travel over the 191-mile (318km) course. It is often said that navigation is the skill that will win the race and we have witnessed may teams huddled over their maps with compasses debating the route of the next week.

Pictured is the map and notes of John Howard Team Greenpeace, arguably the best navigator in the world...is he going to be the one to follow?

— Chris Vile, MountainZone.com Correspondent