December 7, 2005 – CamelBak goes motor sport. The world leader in hydration systems is the official sponsor of Dakar Rally veterans Hubert Auriol and navigator Jean-Paul Forthomme. They will compete for the Lisboa-Dakar 2006 as Team Mons (Belgium) and will use CamelBak Hydration Systems during the competition. CamelBak also sponsors the pre-start event Brussels-Dakar. The Rally Dakar traditionally starts on the 31st of December 2005. For the first time in the history of the world’s most popular Rally, the 28thDakar will depart from Lisboa (Portugal).

In addition to Team Mons, CamelBak is official sponsor of the Belgian pre-start event; the presentation of all the Belgian teams in Brussels on December 18th. On this occasion, CamelBak will give hydration packs to all 70 team members. Hydration has become a top priority in motor sport during recent years. The extreme conditions in racecars, the combination of helmets and fireproof clothing with the physical and mental activity lead to quick dehydration. On long stages, the racers drink up to eight litres. Auriol and Forthomme both use CamelBak Hydration Systems in order to stay fully hydrated and thus avoid lightheadedness, fatigue and loss of endurance. A bite valve mounted to the helmet enables hands free drinking, while driver and navigator can stay focused on the road [further info on CamelBak Hydration Systems below]. Hubert Auriol and Jean Paul Forthomme are experienced drivers in Rally sport.

Dakar legend Auriol took part in the first Paris-Dakar in 1979 and has since then participated in 25 out of 27 Rally Dakars’ — 17 times as driver and 8 as organizer. In the history of Dakar, he is the first overall winner in two categories: motorcycle (1981, 1983) and car (1992). Forthomme is an equally experienced participant of the Rally Dakar: The medical doctor and surgeon participated 9 times, either as driver (Toyota and others) or as navigator (with Thierry Magnaldi in 2005).

“Both Hubert and Jean-Paul enjoy huge credibility within the Rally Community ” – explains Vincent Lamoureux, General Manager International CamelBak. These men are aware of the importance of a solid and reliable hydration system; we at CamelBak are very pleased that they have chosen our hydration system to support them during the race. We hope their choice will inspire the motorsport to look to Camelbak as the hydration solution of choice.” 392 words 2456 digits For further Info on the CamelBak program, please visit www.camelbak.com