The European-based Salomon X-Adventure Raid Series makes its one and only stop in the U.S. this weekend in Kirkwood, CA., in the Eldorado National Forest south of Lake Tahoe. The course will cover 200 kilometers in two days of "stage" racing, and will no doubt utilize the area's beautiful and challenging terrain: dense pine forests, granite rock faces, crystal clear mountain lakes and peaks over 10,000 feet.

Teams of four will have to strategize, as only three competitors per team race at a time. The fourth team member acts as assistance crew and "subs" in at transition areas.

The stakes are high at the Salomon X-Adventure Raid Series this year, as the qualifying procedures to the expedition-length Raid Gauloises have changed. Teams must qualify through the Raid Series in order to compete in the Raid. Teams who compete in the series (four races in Europe, one in the U.S.) earn points per race. The top 27 teams with the most points will win a complimentary entry fee, free airfare and coveted team spot in next year's Raid Gauloises to be held in Krygysztan in the spring.

Twenty-two European teams (and one from Hong Kong) traveled to Kirkwood, mostly from France, but also representing Spain, England and Finland. Three spots to the Raid Gauloises will be awarded to the top-three American teams from this weekend's race. Ten American teams are here in Kirkwood to battle it out on foot, mountain bike, inline skate, ropes and canoes.

Top contenders for the U.S. spots are Team GoLite, led by 2001 Eco-Challenge winner, Ian Adamson, and Team Montrail, captained by longtime racer Rebecca Rusch.

Teams received maps and course information last night at 7 p.m., and the race kicked off at 6 a.m. thius morning. Tune in Monday for more race action and photos and find out who will be representing the U.S. at the 2003 Raid Gauloises.

—Lisa Jhung, MountainZone.com Correspondent