South African riders Barry Armitage and Joey Dawson have posted the first photos of the Mongol Derby pre-race training on the steppe. Both riders took part in the 2011 race but have come back to have another crack at glory and sit firmly in the racing-to-win camp. 

The Mongol Derby 2012 launches on Friday 10th August. Follow @MongolDerby on Twitter for all the latest updates, use the #MongolDerby hastag search or find the Mongol Derby on Facebook. 

More reports and photos from the steppe coming soon...

The semi-wild horses gathered at the start camp on the first day of pre-race training on the steppe - photo by Joey Dawson

Mongol Derby 2012 riders and crew - photo by Joey Dawson

Rounding up horses for the first day of pre-race training on the steppe - photo by Joey Dawson

Mongol Derby 2012 riders get their first look at the semi-wild horses at the start camp on the first day of pre-race training. A "daunting sight" according to 2011 veteran Barry Armitage, who took this photo.