Elf Authentic Adventure Will Explore the Nordeste Region of Brazil Next April.

LOS ANGELES--(BW SportsWire)--Oct. 12, 1999--

Gerard Fusil, the creator of modern adventure racing, and Philippe Mercier of Elf Aquitaine, unveiled the year 2000 version of the Elf Authentic Adventure, to be contested in the Nordeste region of Brazil in April 2000.

Fusil and Mercier gave a multimedia presentation to an eager throng of journalists, former and future adventure racers, and adventure racing enthusiasts at the Sports Club L.A. on Oct. 5.

Racers Cathy Sassin, Ike Wilson, Karen Lundgren, Louise Cooper- Lovelace, and husband-wife tandem Norm Greenberg and Tracyn Thayer were all in attendance.

The multimedia presentation included a highlight reel of this year's race in the Philippines in April 1999, a rationale for Elf Aquitaine involvement in the event, and a video previewing next year's race. Based on the footage, the experience should be unforgettable for all involved.

Paul Higgins then presented a one-hour program of the Philippine Elf Authentic Adventure, to be aired in late October on ESPN, espn2 and ESPN International.

Back from months in Brazil on a reconnaissance trip, Fusil highlighted that the Elf Authentic Adventure is different from any race of its kind because of its focus on exploration and discovery, the length of his courses, the exchange projects, and the multiple classifications.

Fusil said: "The area where we will go, Forteleza and Sao Luis, are virtually unknown, even to the people of Brazil. We wish to show the world new areas, where there is no tourism, and to meet the people of the country in a nice way."

About 35 teams are expected to race in Brazil, with a varied demographic. Approximately 15 teams from North America are expected; 3 from the host country, Brazil; 5 from Asia; and 12 from Europe. Mercier said that they were hoping to get a team from China as well.

Of the region, Fusil declared: "It is remarkably varied, with mangroves, big river mouths, deserts with lakes in them, gorgeous oceans, and forests with steep, severe cliffs."

He also hinted that the course will be the longest ever, with a good winning time of 12 days. Then he added: "I don't think the first quality of a race is to be difficult. It should be enjoyable. The competitors trying to win make it difficult by going so fast!"

Fusil went on: "Adventure racing is a competition but also an opportunity to put people in situations that are different from normal life. Adventure racing is not just a race in nature but an opportunity to compete at the extreme of oneself."

In the Elf Authentic Adventure Brazil 2000 racers will sea kayak, ride local horses, mountain bike, swim, trek, rock climb and sail local boats.

Entry is now open. Teams of 7 cost $5,000, including insurance.

For further information about the Elf Authentic Adventure, contact:

Lori Hall, CSM Communications North American Media and Athlete Relations 154 Bell Canyon Blvd. Bell Canyon, Calif. 91307 ph. 818/883-7891 fax [phone] e-mail [e-mail]

GFC 1 Villa Marie Justine - 92100 Boulogne Paris, France ph. 011 331 41 31 74 74 fax [phone] e-mail [e-mail]

Elf Aquitaine 2 Place de la Coupole - 92078 Paris La Defense, France ph. 011 331 47 44 38 29 fax [phone]