I never imagined that of the 108 available positions, 93 would be occupied, including 19 women. 11 nationalities competed with Italy and Spain being the most represented, followed by Mongolia and Australia and then Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, The United States, and Belgium.

Throughout the race, it was surreal to walk away from the camp and look back at our "village" of athletes and staff. After 5 years of designing and planning, the results were actually in my view.

My team and I returned home, very pleased with the event and the feedback we received. The first edition largely met the promises set out and we took the athlete suggestions to improve the next edition of this international sporting event. Above all, we were very proud of the honor received by the MONGOLIAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION for the efforts made by the team of The MBC to promote Mongolia as a sports and tourism destination.

So now, the entries for the Second Edition are open! 108 places are available for those who wish to face the challenge of the majestic desert dunes next August, 2012. The dunes of the Gobi Desert have the unique feature of "singing" as you pass over them, which I had never heard or seen before. The Gobi and the whole team of The MBC invite you to partake in this physical and psychological test and launch the challenge: Who will resist the "Siren Song" of Mongolia?

Willy Mulonia