Riders power through the mid-point of the race as gear and bodies begin to creak, the leaders retain their lead by a whisker in an intensifying game of cat and marmot, and a rogue camel commandeered by the crew proves a lucky mascot.

The heat breaks and the rains come down, two riders launch an attack to seize the lead overnight, the Mongolian bogs claim their first victims and CWA treats us to a steppe fashion show.

The leaderboard chops and changes as riders seek out the wildest horses to keep them in contention, and a precious extra hour of riding time makes all the difference for two competitors.

An early lead is lost to a speedy chasing pack, a group of riders find themselves stirrup-less on the steppe, and delighted jockeys hatch plans to smuggle their steeds home.

Two riders establish an early lead, family bonds survive to fight another day, we are treated to an impromptu masterclass in steppe rodeo riding and two Aussies stop off for a nice cool dip.

Start camp survived, today is the day of reckoning for the riders of the July 2022 Mongol Derby.