All 46 riders of the August 2022 Mongol Derby pass through start camp with only a few unplanned dismounts, nervously bedded down for the last time before the start gun fires tomorrow.

Another 11 riders thunder across the finish line in a scorcher of a day, while the rest of the field are just one more night on the steppe away from completing the world's longest and toughest horse race.

Girl power fuels a magnificent day's riding for Deirdre Griffith and Willemien Jooste to snatch the win in the July 2022 Mongol Derby, in an edge-of-your-seat rollercoaster of a day.

It's boys v girls as the chaps in the lead cling to a narrow advantage over the trio of chicks in hot pursuit, dreaded penalties threaten to cause an upset for the leaderboard, and love is in the air on the steppe.

The leaders' advantage dwindles in the face of consistently determined riding by the chasing pack, the hills throw everybody off, and pending penalties loom large over some of the frontrunners.

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.

We thought it would be a great opportunity to explore the background of this spectacular race, and highlight the cultural fabric that underpins this event.